Biological Breakthrough

Nanodevice Synthesis Revolutionizes Biological Sensors

An interdisciplinary team of engineers in the Yale Institute for Nanoscience and Quantum Engineering has invented a synthesizing nanowires (NWs), which allows their direct integration with microelectronic systems for the first time, as well as their ability to act as highly sensitive biomolecule detectors that could revolutionize biological diagnostic applications.

This study focuses on device and sensor performance, the strength of the approach lies in seamless integration with CMOS technology.

These NWs are structurally stable and demonstrate an unprecedented sensitivity as sensors for detection of antibodies and other biologically important molecules.

The sensor also has the ability to differentiate between immune system cells based on their function and with label-free reagents.

Schematic of nanowire sensors operating in solution.

Reflection:

I think this invention is an essential breakthrough in science.

It was a remarkable collaboration, not only of biomedical, and electrical, but also of mechanical engineering with chemistry and applied physics.

I think this sensor will solve many medical problems to cure different diseases and save more human lives.

I believe that these nanosensors can soon replace current technology with a solid-state device and the results promise to radically change the way we assay for these cells.