Overview
This project invested in developing new sophisticated, label-free electronic sensor arrays with the potential to accelerate biomarker discovery, facilitate early diagnosis, transfer clinical testing to point-of-care and provide the multiplexed, high-sensitivity diagnostics required for personalized and stratified medicine. In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Leeds, a novel, biocompatible self-assembled monolayer (SAM) has been produced that enables the integration of functional probe-molecules, such as antibodies, with underlying electronic circuitry. The project also evolved a new approach for monitoring molecular interactions electronically.
In detail
The aim of this project was to establish and evaluate a point-of-care diagnostic to provide rapid, sensitive and specific Neisseria meningitidis screening. This diagnostic tool would combine microelectronic devices fabricated using the same, low-cost technology developed in the semiconductor industry, with molecular probes targeting N. meningitidis specific markers allowing quantitative and rapid screening in a single, simple readout, portable device. The technology developed through this programme would be relevant to the detection of a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and the longer-term vision is to provide a versatile technology to enable rapid diagnosis of bacterial infection at point-of-care.
In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Leeds, a novel, biocompatible self-assembled monolayer (SAM) has been developed that enables the integration of functional probe-molecules, such as antibodies, with underlying electronic circuitry. The SAM consists of an alkane-component that ensures formation of a well-packed monolayer, a PEG-component that ensures functionality of the immobilized protein while minimizing non-specific protein adsorption and a functional amine group to permit chemo-selective protein immobilization. The project has developed a new approach for monitoring molecular interactions electronically. The strategy uses charge-sensitive redox labels incorporated into an immobilized protein layer. Formation of the protein-ligand complex modifies the electrostatic environment local to the redox label, resulting in a shift in the formal potential.
The next-generation of electronic biosensors will ideally require limits of detection down to just a few molecules in a finger-prick of blood. This will demand a step change in sensor technology, requiring high miniaturization and vastly increased sensitivity. Research is now being undertaken to investigate ultra-sensitive nanoelectronic sensors based on high-density arrays of single-electron transistors (SETs).
The project now includes the Department of Chemistry at the University and has led to collaborations with the University of Leeds and with the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory.