Capacitive field-effect biosensors loaded with intact plant virus particles: modelling and experimental data

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Plant viruses cause significant global crop losses and economic damage.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is key to managing plant virus spread and preventing crop failure.
• Electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitor (EISCAP) sensors offer potential for label-free virus detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a capacitive model for an EISCAP sensor detecting tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).
• To investigate the effect of TMV surface coverage on EISCAP sensor performance.
• To validate the model through experimental comparison.

Main Methods:

• Developed a capacitive model of an EISCAP sensor with adsorbed TMV particles acting as local gates.
• Studied the impact of TMV surface coverage on SiO2-gate EISCAP characteristics.
• Conducted theoretical analysis and experimental validation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• The EISCAP sensor model successfully simulated the detection of negatively charged TMV particles.
• A strong correlation was observed between the EISCAP signal and TMV surface coverage.
• Experimental results aligned well with the theoretical model predictions.

Conclusions:

• EISCAP sensors are a promising technology for label-free, electrostatic detection of plant viruses like TMV.
• The developed capacitive model provides a valuable tool for understanding and optimizing EISCAP sensor performance for virus detection.
• This approach can contribute to early diagnosis and improved management of plant virus diseases in agriculture.