Introduction

The invention consists of innovative methods or realizing field-effect transistors compromising layers of self-assembled biological systems deposited underneath the semiconductive active material. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of FET devices as label-free, selective and ultra-sensitive sensors for detecting volatile or liquid substances of interest. The FBI sensors can by used as label free biosensor in medical diagnostic laboratories.

Technical features

The bioelectronic OFET proposed comprises an interlayer of a functional biosystem deposited between the gate dielectric and the organic semiconductor. An architecture directly interfacing supported biological layers to the OFET channel is proposed. The integration of soft matter and solid-state organic electronics leads to a high-performing transistor whose response reflects the functionality of the biological interlayer under specific stimuli. State of the art techniques are expensive and time consuming. The proposed label-free biosensor exhibits detection limits comparable to optical techniques or ELISA but is low cost and can be used for point of care applications. The sensor could be a tool in the study of the still controversial general anesthesia action mechanism.

Possible Applications

• Biosensors development for point of care applications;
• The proposed biosensor can be applied for liquid and gaseous analytes;
• Study of the mechanism of anesthetic drugs.

Advantages

• The configuration allows intimate contact between the recognition bio-layer and the two dimensional charge transport leading to enhanced sensitivity;
• Such devices are compatible with ink-jet printing manufacturing. Their implementation in organic CMOS circuits on plastic and paper substrate;
• Label free detection of biomarkers.