Methods and apparatus for detecting molecular interactions using FET arrays
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting bimolecular interactions, the method comprising:
- providing a sample analyzer comprising an array of sensors, a given sensor in the array of sensors comprising;
a chemFET including a first gate dielectric between a substrate and a floating gate, and having a characteristic threshold voltage affected by trapped charge in the first gate dielectric, and a transistor including a second gate dielectric between a gate terminal and the substrate, wherein the gate terminal is coupled to the floating gate of the chemFET, and the second gate dielectric has a thickness less than that of the first gate dielectric;
removing the trapped charge via the transistor by providing an electrical path for charge from the floating gate to the substrate;
providing at least one molecular species to the array of sensors; and
detecting a molecular interaction between the at least one molecular species and a second molecular species by detecting the changes in electrical properties of the chemFET.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatuses relating to large scale FET arrays for analyte detection and measurement are provided. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for detecting bimolecular interactions, the method comprising:
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providing a sample analyzer comprising an array of sensors, a given sensor in the array of sensors comprising;
a chemFET including a first gate dielectric between a substrate and a floating gate, and having a characteristic threshold voltage affected by trapped charge in the first gate dielectric, and a transistor including a second gate dielectric between a gate terminal and the substrate, wherein the gate terminal is coupled to the floating gate of the chemFET, and the second gate dielectric has a thickness less than that of the first gate dielectric;removing the trapped charge via the transistor by providing an electrical path for charge from the floating gate to the substrate; providing at least one molecular species to the array of sensors; and detecting a molecular interaction between the at least one molecular species and a second molecular species by detecting the changes in electrical properties of the chemFET. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification