Sensing of cancer cell ion exchange as a biomarker with high aspect ratio field-effect transistors

Inability to detect small concentration of cancer cells at the early stages of disease is a major barrier for early diagnosis. Molecular bioelectricity, which recognizes how voltage gradients in nonexcitable cells coordinate morphogenesis, tissue development, repair, and cancer formation is shown here as a novel modality to detect cancerous behavior. The design, simulation and electrical characterization of an Ion Measuring Field Effect Transistors (IMFETs) are shown that detect cancer cells based on their molecular bioelectricity. IMFETs generate low impedance signals and consume low power because of the transistor properties. The small size of IMFETs can enable miniature diagnosis devices, allowing low sample requirements combined with a rapid response. IMFETs have the potential for selective detection of certain ions in complex samples efficiently and can open the way for low-cost lab-on-a-chip devices.