Systems and Methods for the Detection of Biomolecules

摘要

A system and method for the detection and quantification of biomolecules by measuring a piezoelectric signal is described. The system comprises a plurality of elongate zinc oxide nanowires mounted generally parallel to each another on a semi conductive silicon substrate. The free ends of the nanowires are provided with biomolecules that are capable of associating with complementary biomolecules within a biological or water sample. Following incubation of the system in a sample, the association of molecules of interest with the immobilised biomolecules on the system results in the displacement of the zinc oxide nanowires. The displacement of the nanowires produces a piezoelectric voltage signal that is useful in diagnosing a pathogenic infection or the contamination of a sample.

主权项

1. A system for the detection of biomolecules, comprising a plurality of piezoelectric nanowires having ends mounted on a semi conductive substrate and opposite free ends extending generally parallel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the semi conductive substrate, wherein each nanowire has biomolecules immobilised onto at least a portion of a surface of a its free end of said each nanowire, wherein base portions of the nanowires are coated with an insulating layer of material which fills the spaces between the nanowires whilst the free ends remain substantially uncoated and uninsulated, and wherein displacement of the nanowires owing to the association of a second type of biomolecule with the biomolecules immobilised on the free ends produces a piezoelectric signal.