Design Optimization and Implementation of Nanowire Based Biosensors

Abstract

Delicate and quantifiable analysis of protein is essential for disease diagnosis, drug screening and large-scaled study of proteins. Taking in consideration the recent trends and research in biomolecule analysis; Nanowires, configured as Field-Effect Transistors have emerged as a very successful and efficient platform to detect proteins and other species efficaciously, owing to its high sensitivity. Here we attempt to optimize the parameters of a nanowire-based biosensor in order to improve the overall efficiency of the biosensor, in order to provide a more insightful output. Using an open-source tool available on NanoHub which enables us to vary the physical parameters and analyze the corresponding output after revamping the parameters. Our endeavor is concerned with realizing the best characteristics that would give us the best performance, that is, minimum settling time, maximum selectivity and maximum sensitivity. A sensor is best defined by its ability to discriminate the response from the adjacent inputs, ability to detect the tiniest changes in input and present the fluctuation in input in the least amount of time as possible; better termed as selectivity, sensitivity and settling time respectively. The objective of this project is to have the highest sensitivity and selectivity, whilst keeping the settling time as low as possible.