System-Level Sensitivity Analysis of SiNW-bioFET-Based Biosensing Using Lockin Amplification

Although Silicon Nanowire biological Field-Effect Transistors (SiNW-bioFETs) have steadily demonstrated their ability to detect biological markers at ultra-low concentration, they have not yet translated into routine diagnostics applications. One of the challenges inherent to the technology is that it requires an instrumentation capable of recovering ultra-low signal variations from sensors usually designed and operated in a highly-resistive configuration.

Often overlooked, the SiNWbioFET/ instrument interactions are yet critical factors in determining overall system biodetection performances. Here, we carry out for the first time the system-level sensitivity analysis of a generic SiNW-bioFET model coupled to a custom-design instrument based on the lock-in amplifier.

By investigating a large parametric space spanning over both sensor and instrumentation specifications, we demonstrate that systemwide investigations can be instrumental in identifying the design trade-offs that will ensure the lowest Limits-of-Detection. The generic character of our analytical model allows us to elaborate on the most general SiNW-bioFET/instrument interactions and their overall implications on detection performances.

Our model can be adapted to better match specific sensor or instrument designs to either ensure that ultra-high sensitivity SiNW-bioFETs are coupled with an appropriately sensitive and noise-rejecting instrumentation, or to best tailor SiNW-bioFET design to the specifications of an existing instrument.