Label-Free Detection of Thyroid Cancer Biomarkers Using Heterojunction GAA Ferroelectric p-n-i-n TFET Biosensor

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Rising thyroid cancer incidence necessitates improved diagnostic tools.
• Current methods can lead to unnecessary surgeries for benign nodules.
• Need for rapid, minimally invasive, and highly sensitive diagnostic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a label-free biosensor for early thyroid cancer detection.
• To utilize a heterojunction gate-all-around ferroelectric p-n-i-n tunnel field-effect transistor (HJ-GAA-Fe p-n-i-n TFET).
• To leverage cell dielectric properties and charge states for sensing.

Main Methods:

• Device simulation using Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD).
• Evaluation of sensitivity metrics: drain current, ON-OFF ratio, threshold voltage.
• Assessment of reliability: response time, LOD, temperature stability, noise immunity.
• Analysis of charged and neutral thyroid cancer cells.

Main Results:

• Achieved high sensitivity in drain current (5.2 x 10^8) and ON-OFF ratio (3.23 x 10^6).
• Demonstrated a threshold voltage shift of 0.25 V.
• Showcased selectivity of 12.41 for cancerous thyroid cells.
• Validated early-stage detection capability and noise immunity.

Conclusions:

• The HJ-GAA-Fe p-n-i-n TFET biosensor shows significant potential for accurate early thyroid cancer diagnosis.
• The negative capacitance effect enhances sensitivity to cellular perturbations.
• The device design facilitates specific thyroid cell capture and detection.