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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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Multi-analyte Biochip (MAB) Based on All-solid-state Ion-selective Electrodes (ASSISE) for Physiological Research
Published on: April 18, 2013
A multi-channel femtoampere-sensitivity conductometric array for biosensing applications.
Amit Gore1, Shantanu Chakrabartty, Sudeshna Pal
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. goeamit@egr.msu.edu
Summary
This study introduces a novel conductometric biosensor array for rapid pathogen detection. The system achieves high sensitivity in measuring ultra-small currents, enabling real-time analysis of biological agents in the field.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Rapid pathogen detection is crucial for field deployable biosensors, requiring integrated sensing and data processing capabilities.
- Accurate, real-time signal characterization is essential for detecting low concentrations of biological agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel multi-channel conductometric array for detecting and measuring ultra-small currents (femtoampere range).
- To develop an energy-efficient architecture for ultra-small current measurement using semi-synchronous SigmaDelta modulation and hysteretic comparison.
- To integrate the developed potentiostat with a conductometric biosensor for field applications.
Main Methods:
- Prototyping a 42-channel potentiostat array using 0.5 microm CMOS technology.
- Implementing a novel semi-synchronous SigmaDelta modulation with hysteretic comparison for ultra-small current measurement.
- Integrating the multi-channel potentiostat with a conductometric biosensor.
Main Results:
- Achieved 10 bits of resolution with a sensitivity up to 50 fA of current.
- Demonstrated low power consumption of 11 microW per channel at a 250 kHz sampling rate.
- Successfully characterized different concentration levels of Bacillus Cereus pathogens in real-time using the integrated biosensor.
Conclusions:
- The developed multi-channel potentiostat offers high sensitivity and energy efficiency for ultra-small current measurements.
- The integrated conductometric biosensor system is effective for real-time pathogen concentration analysis in field deployable applications.
- This technology advances rapid pathogen detection systems for various applications.
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