Multiplexed analysis of molecular and elemental ions using nanowire transistor sensors

• An integrated sensor chip with silicon nanowire ion-sensitive field-effect transistors for simultaneous and selective detection of both molecular and elemental ions in a single sample solution is demonstrated. The sensing selectivity is realized by functionalizing the sensor surface with tailor-made mixed-matrix membranes (MMM) incorporated with specific ionophores for the target ions. A biomimetic container molecule, named metal-organic supercontainer (MOSC), is selected as the ionophore for detection of methylene blue (MB+), a molecular ion, while a commercially available Na-ionophore is used for Na+, an elemental ion. The sensors show a near-Nernstian response with 56.4 ± 1.8 mV/dec down to a concentration limit of ∌1 ΌM for MB+ and 57.9 ± 0.7 mV/dec down to ∌60 ΌM for Na+, both with excellent reproducibility. Extensive control experiments on the MB+ sensor lead to identification of the critical role of the MOSC molecules in achieving a stable and reproducible potentiometric response. Moreover, the MB+-specific sensor shows remarkable selectivity against common interfering elemental ions in physiological samples, e.g., H+, Na+, and K+. Although the Na+-specific sensor is currently characterized by insufficient immunity to the interference by MB+, the root cause is identified and remedies generally applicable for hydrophobic molecular ions are discussed. River water experiments are also conducted to prove the efficacy of our sensors.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Elektroteknik och elektronik -- Annan elektroteknik och elektronik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering -- Other Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Elemental ion

ISFET

Metal-organic supercontainer

Molecular ion

Multiplex detection

Silicon nanowire FET

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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