Rapid Detection of E. coli Bacteria Using Potassium-Sensitive FETs in CMOS

A novel integrated system for the detection of live bacteria in less than 10 minutes is presented. It utilizes the specificity of bacteriophages as biological detection elements with the sensitivity of integrated ion-selective field-effect transistors (ISFETs) implemented in conventional 0.18 μm CMOS with additional post-processes PVC-based potassium-sensitive membrane to provide a rapid, low-cost bacteria detection platform. Experimental methods to cancel ISFET non-idealities as well as data processing techniques to enhance detection capability of the bacteria sensor are demonstrated. Three groups of experimental results are provided using four strains of E. coli with two bacteriophages at two different temperatures. Measurements incorporating positive and negative control experiments are presented that successfully exhibit sensor specificity as well detection capability.