Revolutionary Microchips Detect Multiple Biomarkers Simultaneously at Miniscule Concentrations
Scientists at NYU Tandon University have developed a series of microchips that can identify multiple different biomarkers from a single air sample simultaneously, with unprecedented sensitivity. Published in the journal Nanoscale, the study paves the way for the design of next-generation biosensors that could transform the diagnosis of chronic diseases, not just infectious ones. Their small size makes them suitable for at-home diagnostic tools, not just clinical settings, like pregnancy tests.
What sets these microchips apart is their scalability. Due to the techniques used in their design, the biosensors described in the study can be produced on a large scale. With the capability to detect multiple biomarkers from a single air sample with high precision and specificity, these microchips can be integrated into complex diagnostic platforms.
At the heart of these microchips are field-effect transistors (FETs), tiny components that can be personalized to function as sensors, detecting specific pathogens or biomarkers in real-time. The biological interactions captured by the biosensor’s components are then converted into measurable electrical signals.
How They Were Made
The project was made possible using thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) technology, which allowed each transistor to be individually functionalized with different bioreceptors at resolutions up to 20 nm.
Words from the Expert
“This innovative technology uses field-effect transistors, offering an alternative to color-based, chemical diagnostic tests like pregnancy tests. This advanced approach provides faster results, the ability to test for multiple conditions at once, and immediate data transmission to doctors,” says Davood Shahrjerdi, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NYU Tandon, and co-director of the NYU NanoBioX initiative.
The Challenge Overcome
The biggest challenge in developing FET-based sensors has been functionalizing them to identify multiple different biomarkers simultaneously from the same sample. Many similar prototypes can only detect different pathogens or biological markers sequentially. The microchips described in this study overcame this by functionalizing FETs using tSPL technology, allowing each transistor to detect a specific marker and integrating them all into a single chip capable of detecting a wide range of biological signals.
Real-World Testing
The biosensors were tested for detecting the specific SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and demonstrated remarkable performance, detecting concentrations as low as 3 attomolar (aM). Additionally, they were able to distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus.
The potential of these microchips is vast, promising quicker, more comprehensive, and accessible diagnostic tools, ultimately contributing to better patient care and health outcomes.
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