BIOLIFT

Fabrication of capacitive biosensors using the Laser Induced Forward Transfer process

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Biosensor research has blossomed into a mature and highly active field over the past 20 years, both in the laboratory and in the commercial sector. This area attracts enormous attention due to the promise it holds for vital aspects of the human life. The proposed work aims to fabricate a capacitive biosensor, which will be able to perform label-free and fast biodetection based on very small biological samples. We will use the Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) process for the deposition of biomolecules on the sensor surface. The use of the LIFT technique allows for excellent size control of the deposited samples, as well as repeatability and miniaturization. The use of a capacitive transducer, with an ultra thin silicon membrane acting as one of the capacitor plates, will allow for high sensitivity and low-power operation. The biosensor will be tested with simple binding reactions as well as DNA hybridization. Eventually this sensor can be used with thousands of analytes, such as proteins, different DNA strands, and pathogens. Each step of the fabrication process allows for miniaturization, therefore this biosensor will be a prime candidate for microarray integration in the future. The host group has extensive expertise both in the implementation of the LIFT method and in the fabrication of capacitive sensors and is well-equipped for the proposed work. The researcher has degrees in Electrical Engineering and Physics, while she did her Ph.D. on laser-matter interactions, and is a very good match for this project. This grant will allow the researcher to transfer knowledge from the USA, where she completed her graduate studies, to the European community and reintegrate as a permanent researcher in Europe. A number of students and scientists from various fields will be involved in the proposed experiments. All the results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at conferences, while patents will be filed where applicable.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

European scientists are developing highly sensitive biosensors that can conduct rapid analysis of very small samples of biological material.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Biosensor technology has made significant advances over the past 20 years. The sector still holds enormous potential for the future, however, particularly in the fields of environmental monitoring, industrial and food processing and health care.

The EU-funded Biolift project has employed a new technique for developing biosensors that do not require the use of biological labelling. Project partners have successfully used the 'Laser-induced forward transfer' (LIFT) technique to deposit biomolecules on the surface of the sensor. Use of the LIFT technique has enabled sample sizes to be greatly reduced while employing capacitive transducers that allow high sensitivity and low-power operation.

Researchers began by first identifying an appropriate laser system and then optimising the laser pulse intensity. Scientists then selected the most suitable carrier for the material to be deposited and optimised the distance between the carrier and the substrate. The aim is for the sensor to be used to analyse thousands of types of samples including proteins, different ribonucleic acid (RNA) strands and pathogens.

The Biolift consortium has successfully designed a sensor that is both highly efficient and robust and can rapidly conduct analyses. Results from the project will enable European research to remain at the forefront of biosensor technology.