2 x 3 Arrayed CMOS Capacitive Biosensors for Detection of microRNAs on a Microfluidic System

Breast cancer is one of the most important cancers among women worldwide. Since breast cancer is prone to metastasis and recurrence, mortality is relatively high if not diagnosed early. Therefore, it is important to develop a device that can quickly and accurately diagnose breast cancer. Recently, microRNAs such as microRNA-195 and microRNA-126 have been reported to act as biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis. Therefore, this study reported an integrated microfluidic system capable of extracting microRNAs by microfluidic techniques, detecting and quantifying microRNAs by using complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) capacitive biosensors for rapid and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. Monolithic sensor with integrated-circuits reduces parasitic effects and submicron interdigitated microelectrodes as sensing interfaces significantly improves sensitivity. microRNA-195 detection for concentrations ranging from 1 fM to 10 pM could be successfully obtained, allowing detection in physiological conditions for cancer patients in the near future.