Regina Stockmann

Bio: Regina Stockmann is an academic researcher from Forschungszentrum Jülich. The author has contributed to research in topics: Field-effect transistor & Silicon. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 19 publications receiving 532 citations.

Fabrication and application of silicon nanowire transistor arrays for biomolecular detection

Abstract: We present a novel approach for large-scale silicon nanowire (SiNW) array fabrication for bioelectronic applications. Nanoimprint lithography was combined with standard CMOS processing on 4 in. SOI wafers in order to produce highly integrated arrays of silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (SiNW-FET). With a very smooth surface due to wet anisotropic etching, SiNW-FET arrays show a good electronic performance with a subthreshold slope of about 85 mV/decade. When applying a front-gate control of the wires via an electrochemical reference electrode, reliable electronic performance inside an electrolyte solution can be achieved. Our SiNW-FET sensors exhibit almost no electronic hysteresis on forward and backward bias sweeps. In this article the fabrication process, electronic and electrochemical characterizations and first biomolecular detection experiments are presented. For biodetection experiments we used a differential readout between molecule-free wires and wires carrying covalently attached biomolecules such as short, single-stranded DNA or biotin. With our SiNW-FET arrays a reliable detection of biomolecular layers can be achieved.

Action potentials of HL-1 cells recorded with silicon nanowire transistors

Abstract: Silicon nanowire (NW) transistors were fabricated in a top-down process. These devices were used to record the extracellular potential of the spontaneous activity of cardiac muscle HL-1 cells. Their signals were measured by direct dc sampling of the drain current. An improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to planar field-effect devices was observed. Furthermore the signal shape was evaluated and could be associated to different membrane currents. With these experiments, a qualitative description of the properties of the cell-NW contact was obtained and the suitability of these sensors for electrophysiological measurements in vitro was demonstrated.

Top-down processed silicon nanowire transistor arrays for biosensing

Abstract: We describe the fabrication, electrical and electrochemical characterization of silicon nanowire arrays, which were processed in a top-down approach using combined nanoimprint lithography and wet chemical etching. We used the top silicon layer as contact line and observed an influence of implantation and subsequent annealing of these lines to the device performance. In addition we found a subthreshold slope dependence on wire size. When operated in a liquid environment, wires can be utilized as pH sensors. We characterized the pH sensitivity in the linear range and in the subthreshold operation regime. As a first proof-of-principle experiment for the later use of the sensors in bioassays, we monitored the buildup ofpolyelectrolyte multilayers on the wire surface.

Toward Intraoperative Detection of Disseminated Tumor Cells in Lymph Nodes with Silicon Nanowire Field Effect Transistors

Abstract: Within an hour, as little as one disseminated tumor cell (DTC) per lymph node can be quantitatively detected using an intraoperative biosensing platform based on silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (SiNW FET). It is also demonstrated that the integrated biosensing platform is able to detect the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of colorectal cancer patients. The presence of DTCs in lymph nodes and CTCs in peripheral blood is highly significant as it is strongly associated with poor patient prognosis. The SiNW FET sensing platform out-performed in both sensitivity and rapidity not only the current standard method based on pathological examination of tissue sections but also the emerging clinical gold standard based on molecular assays. The possibility to achieve accurate and highly sensitive analysis of the presence of DTCs in the lymphatics within the surgery time frame has the potential to spare cancer patients from an unnecessary secondary surgery, leading to reduced patient ...

Nanotechnological strategies for engineering complex tissues.

Abstract: Tissue engineering aims at developing functional substitutes for damaged tissues and organs. Before transplantation, cells are generally seeded on biomaterial scaffolds that recapitulate the extracellular matrix and provide cells with information that is important for tissue development. Here we review the nanocomposite nature of the extracellular matrix, describe the design considerations for different tissues and discuss the impact of nanostructures on the properties of scaffolds and their uses in monitoring the behaviour of engineered tissues. We also examine the different nanodevices used to trigger certain processes for tissue development, and offer our view on the principal challenges and prospects of applying nanotechnology in tissue engineering.

Three-Dimensional, Flexible Nanoscale Field-Effect Transistors as Localized Bioprobes

Abstract: Nanoelectronic devices offer substantial potential for interrogating biological systems, although nearly all work has focused on planar device designs. We have overcome this limitation through synthetic integration of a nanoscale field-effect transistor (nanoFET) device at the tip of an acute-angle kinked silicon nanowire, where nanoscale connections are made by the arms of the kinked nanostructure, and remote multilayer interconnects allow three-dimensional (3D) probe presentation. The acute-angle probe geometry was designed and synthesized by controlling cis versus trans crystal conformations between adjacent kinks, and the nanoFET was localized through modulation doping. 3D nanoFET probes exhibited conductance and sensitivity in aqueous solution, independent of large mechanical deflections, and demonstrated high pH sensitivity. Additionally, 3D nanoprobes modified with phospholipid bilayers can enter single cells to allow robust recording of intracellular potentials.

Revealing neuronal function through microelectrode array recordings

Abstract: Microelectrode arrays and microprobes have been widely utilized to measure neuronal activity, both in vitro and in vivo. The key advantage is the capability to record and stimulate neurons at multiple sites simultaneously. However, unlike the single-cell or single-channel resolution of intracellular recording, microelectrodes detect signals from all possible sources around the sensor. Here, we review the current understanding of microelectrode signals and the techniques for analyzing them. We introduce the ongoing advancements in microelectrode technology, with focus on achieving higher resolution and quality of recordings by means of monolithic integration with on-chip circuitry. We show how recent advanced microelectrode array measurement methods facilitate the understanding of single neurons as well as network function.