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Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Preparation of Silicon Nanowire Field-effect Transistor for Chemical and Biosensing Applications
Published on: April 21, 2016
Biosensing platforms based on silicon nanostructures: A critical review.
Antonio Alessio Leonardi1, Maria José Lo Faro2, Alessia Irrera3
1Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia "Ettore Majorana", Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123, Catania, Italy; CNR-IMM UoS Catania, Istituto per La Microelettronica e Microsistemi, Via Santa Sofia 64, Italy; CNR-IPCF, Istituto per I Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy.
Novel silicon nanostructure biosensors offer disruptive potential for early disease detection and healthcare applications. This review critically examines electronic and optical silicon biosensors for commercial viability and medical device suitability.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Biosensors are crucial for early disease detection using biomolecules.
- Current biosensing technologies are limited to specialized facilities.
- Silicon's microelectronics dominance presents an opportunity for advanced healthcare sensors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel silicon-based biosensor platforms for commercial applications.
- To critically compare the advantages and disadvantages of various silicon biosensors.
- To identify promising silicon biosensors for medical device development.
Main Methods:
- Review of electronic transducers: silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (FET) and porous silicon.
- Analysis of optical alternatives: porous silicon optical sensors, photonic crystals, silicon quantum dots, and silicon nanowires (NWs).
- Evaluation of working principles, sensitivity, selectivity, and industrial transfer potential.
Main Results:
- Silicon nanostructures show potential for disruptive impact in commercial healthcare.
- Comparison of electronic (Si NW FET, porous Si) and optical (effective optical thickness porous silicon, photonic crystals, Si quantum dots, luminescent Si NWs) sensors.
- Assessment of sensor performance metrics and industrial feasibility.
Conclusions:
- Silicon-based biosensors, particularly nanostructured variants, are poised to significantly advance healthcare.
- Specific electronic and optical silicon biosensors demonstrate high potential for commercialization and integration into medical devices.
- Further development focusing on industrial transfer is key for widespread adoption.
