Selective calcium ion detection with functionalized ZnO nanorods-extended gate MOSFET

Zinc oxide nanorod-extended gate field effect transistor (MOSFET) is demonstrated for the detection of calcium (Ca(2+)) ions. ZnO nanorods were grown on the surface of a silver wire to produce an electrochemical nanosensor for selectively detecting Ca(2+). The electrochemical response from the interaction between the ZnO nanorods and Ca(2+) in an aqueous solution is coupled directly to the gate of a field effect transistor (MOSFET). The induced voltage change on the gate results in a measureable current response. In order to adapt the sensors for Ca(2+) ions measurements in biological fluids with sufficient selectivity and stability, a plastic membrane coating containing ionophores was applied on the nanorods. The sensor exhibited a linear response within the range of interest from 1 microM to 1 mM. This work demonstrates a simple technique for sensitive detection of Ca(2+) ions by efficient transfer of the chemical response directly to a standard electronic component producing a low impedance signal.