Silicon nanowire biosensors for detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) with high sensitivity

We have demonstrated highly sensitive and label-free detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a biomarker for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, using silicon nanowire field-effect transistors. A honeycomb-like structure is utilized for nanowire configuration to offer improved electrical performance and increased sensing area. The fabricated devices show n-type behavior with a relatively high ON-OFF current ratio, small sub-threshold swing and low gate leakage current. Monoclonal antibodies for cTnI were covalently immobilized on the nanowire surface and the attachment of antibodies is clearly visualized by atomic force microscope. The sensitivity with various concentrations of buffer solution was also investigated in order to determine the optimal buffer condition. The devices exhibit highest sensitivity under buffer solutions with low ion concentration. In addition, the detection limit of the sensor is as low as ~5. pg/mL, the lowest reported in the literature to date and nearly an order of magnitude smaller than the suggested threshold limit. The fabricated devices demonstrate a good selectivity for detecting cTnI.