Mm-Wave CMOS Biosensor With Integrated Dielectrophoresis for Single-Cell Detection and Characterization

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Electrical Engineering
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Accurate single-cell analysis is crucial for understanding biological processes and drug interactions.
• Existing methods often lack the sensitivity, repeatability, or real-time monitoring capabilities required for dynamic cellular studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-frequency sensing platform for label-free detection and characterization of single mammalian cells.
• To integrate on-chip dielectrophoresis (DEP) for precise cell manipulation and enhanced sensing.
• To demonstrate the platform's capability in differentiating cell types and cellular states.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 114GHz injection-locked voltage-controlled oscillator (IL-VCO) sensor in 28nm CMOS technology.
• Integration of on-chip DEP generators for cell focusing and alignment.
• Packaging with microfluidics enabling continuous sample handling via single-mask lithography.

Main Results:

• Successful detection and characterization of single mammalian cells at 114GHz.
• Demonstrated differentiation of various materials and three distinct cell lines (HeLa GFP, HCT-116, SK-MEL-28).
• Distinguished between growth and mitotic states within a single cell line, showcasing high sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• The developed IL-VCO sensor platform offers a novel approach for high-throughput, label-free single-cell analysis.
• Integrated DEP and microfluidics significantly improve measurement sensitivity and repeatability.
• This technology provides a foundation for streamlined cell-based assays and real-time drug-cell interaction monitoring.