University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Ion Oxide Semiconductor Capacitor for PH Sensing

Johnson, Eric

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Description

Title
Ion Oxide Semiconductor Capacitor for PH Sensing
Author(s)
Johnson, Eric
Contributor(s)
Liu, Gang Logan
Issue Date
2012-05
Keyword(s)
  • capacitors
  • semiconductor capacitors
  • metal-oxide semiconductor capacitors
  • ion oxide semiconductor capacitor
  • pH sensing
  • DNA sequencing
  • biosensors
Abstract
DNA sequencing has already proved to be an invaluable tool throughout biological research and medicine. However the cost of sequencing has yet to decrease to a low enough level for widespread medical use. DNA sequencing has the potential to transform current medical practices from diagnosis based on generalized symptoms to a much more precise and personalized process using a patient’s own unique DNA sequence. In order for this change to take place, inexpensive solutions must be found to replace current sequencing technology. For this project, a device based on metal oxide semiconductor capacitors (MOSCap) has been developed towards the goal of sensing a change in pH. This pH sensor can be used to measure the pH change produced during DNA synthesis reactions. The pH of the solution is measured indirectly by measuring the capacitance of the sensor. The sensor developed acts as an ion oxide semiconductor capacitor, or IOSCap. As the ion concentration changes within the solution, the capacitance of the system is altered due to changes in the double layer formed at the solution oxide interface and the depletion region within the semiconductor. Using an LCR meter and solutions of different pH values, the capacitance of the sensor was measured. Future work will focus on applying this sensing technique to measure many different biological reactions from DNA synthesis to different cellular responses. In addition to developing different sensing applications, sensing schemes involving arrays of these IOSCs for higher throughput will also be pursued.
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/46494

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