Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Bioengineering have developed a transistor-based biosensor for high-throughput disease biomarker screening applications: this minimally invasive sensor features high sensitivity and robustness to competing biomarkers, potentially enabling a next-generation mobile point of care (POC) device.
BACKGROUND
Molecular biomarkers have been harnessed in recent years as indirect indicators of disease onset, progression, and response to treatment, making detection of such biomarkers a cornerstone for the therapeutic management of disease. Novel wearable biomarker sensing technologies have grown in prevalence due to their ability to allow the frequent and longitudinal assessment of various biomarkers. However, despite significant advances in wearable biomarker devices, signal detection of specific biomarkers remains challenging. Currently, liquid-based biomarker devices use particular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for biomarker analysis. However, this approach requires multiple operation steps to enable sufficient biomarker signal detection, making it challenging for point-of-care (POC) and wearable applications. Therefore, a current need exists for a sensitive wearable device to improve current methods for biomarker detection.
INNOVATION
UCLA researchers have developed a novel transistor-based biosensor for high-throughput multiplexed disease biomarker screening applications. This multiplexed transistor-based immunosensor exhibits a higher transconductance that results in excellent signal amplification. This signal amplification enables higher sensitivity and lower detection limits of target biomarkers. Due to the simplified immune-based detection method, the sensor is uniquely unaffected by the presence of other biomarkers in the analyte. Additionally, the design structure is favorable to materials with increased mechanical flexibility and stretchability, allowing ease of implantation. This miniature biosensor could allow for accurate POC tests and wearable biosensing applications. The design is highly adaptable, from being laminated on the skin for sweat analysis to use in conjunction with a medical catheter or laminated on a brain probe with biocompatible adhesive glues. All relevant data can be collected by both wired cable and wireless technology. This minimally invasive sensor features high sensitivity and robustness to competing biomarkers, potentially enabling a next-generation mobile point of care (POC) device.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
• Point of care (POC) tests
• Wearable biosensing device (e.g., sweat, other bodily fluids)
• Minimally invasive biosensing applications
ADVANTAGES:
• State of the art biomarker detection ability
• Robust detection of specific biomarkers
• Packable - sensor can be fabricated on rigid, flexible, stretchable, and soft substrates.
• Miniature size can be used in minimally invasive procedures
• Easily integrated into wearable devices
• Data can be collected via wired or wireless connection (i.e., Bluetooth)
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE: A transistor-based biosensor on a chip prototype has been developed and tested in pre-clinical models for accuracy on biomarkers requiring complex multiplexed signal readings for identification.