Method and apparatus for forming a homeostatic loop employing an aptamer biosensor

Abstract

A novel architecture solid-state biosensor for label-free detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) hybridization is presented. The new device is realized by forming a matrix array of parallel capacitors, thus allowing the realization of low-cost, portable, fully integrated devices. The detection mechanism is based on an electrochemical binding of circulating VEGF to an immobilized VEGF aptamer; whereby binding of these two compounds modulates the threshold voltage of a novel circuit, changing the impedance (capacitance) of the circuit. This novel circuit is further characterized by an electrode coded with a p-Si substrate, enhancing the affinity between the VEGF molecules and the aptamer. An apparatus forming a fluid cell is configured so as to enable the flow for delivering VEGF samples onto the active surface of the chip. The device has an array of parallel capacitors which act as an integrated, individual counter-electrode, computational apparatus which employs the sensory output over the time domain so as to enable detection, reporting and formation of a homeostatic loop for VEGF measurements. Moreover, this detector is able to provide an accurately measured and quantifiable rate of change of the VEGF molecules in-vivo, providing real time feedback of this important biomarker which may be used to measure response of the tumor to delivered chemotherapeutic agents and biological response modifiers (BRMs) for the purpose of determining tumor burden.