Comparison of thin-film-transistor and photonic crystal protein sensors

This talk is aiming on presenting two novel detecting schemes that were developed in our lab. First of all, we demonstrate a highly sensitive IGZO TFT (thin film transistor) with dual gate electrodes that detects electric charges of the target biomaterial. The TFT also functions as a transducer for signal readout. An IGZO TFT-based biosensor integrated with a microfluidic channel can be further used to monitor biochemical reactions between proteins and small molecules. Using Biotin-Streptavidin reaction as an example, the specific diffusion time of biotin, streptavidin, or streptavidin-biotin complex across the fluidic channel are benchmarked. By intentionally delaying the application of one specie to another, we can study properties of biochemical reactions, such as excess and exhaust conditions of the reactants, and the formation of the products while diffusing in the channel. The proposed TFT sensor provides an excellent platform in understanding the biochemical functions for the advance of biological science. ? 2019 IEEE