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Content archived on 2024-05-15

PIezoelectric Sensing Arrays for biomoleculaR inteRactiOns and gas-monitoring

Objective

Microelectronics, life science and thin film sensor technologies will be combined for the development of novel and inexpensive piezoelectric sensor-arrays and the application of these sensors in clinical diagnostics, gas monitoring and high-throughput protein screening. The integrated piezoelectric array sensor is preferably used as part of a complete analyser system with automated sample and reagent handling. The main advantages of the novel sensor-arrays are real-time and simultaneous electronic detection of different specific bio and gas molecules using molecular receptor coatings attached to the piezoelectric transducers. This will enable new mass applications due to the reduced size and reduced costs of the sensors and measuring instruments.

Objectives:
The general objectives of the PISARRO project are the combination of microelectronics, life science and thin film sensor technologies for the development of novel and inexpensive sensor arrays and the application of these sensors in clinical diagnostics, gas monitoring and high-throughput protein screening. We aim at the development of integrated piezoelectric micro sensor arrays with functional layers attached to the matrix elements. Molecular receptor coatings will be developed for the detection of specific bio and gas molecules. Surface patterning for specific sensitivity of different matrix elements will be achieved by molecular imprinting. Signal processing will be performed using adapted software available within the consortium. The novel sensor shall enable new mass applications due to its reduced size and reduced costs.

Work description:
This project focuses on the development of integrated piezoelectric sensor arrays and the application of these micro sensors in clinical diagnostics, gas monitoring and high-throughput screening. A European consortium of multi-disciplinary expertise with partners from Industry, Research Institutes and Academia has been established to reach the objectives and to demonstrate the application of the sensor arrays to molecular detection.

The workflow in PISARRO will include:
1. Design and development of thin film transducer arrays. The preparation and patterning of transducer layers will be optimised, e.g. for high efficiency, suppression of pixel cross-talk, temperature stability, applications in liquids;
2. Surface chemistry and functional coatings for the detection of bio and gas molecules. Molecular receptor coatings for the detection of specific molecules will be synthesized. Coating techniques will be adopted for the deposition on different materials;
3. Molecular surface patterning. Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) specific for corresponding analysis will be immobilised using, e.g. ink-jet printing and in situ photo-polymerisation. Comprehensive testing routines regarding the MIP-array performance will be developed.
4. Micro system assembly and testing for Bio-Sensor and Gas-Sensor applications. The system assembly and testing will be performed according to the specifications and demands defined by the industrial partners. This will include also the mechanical components, electronic interfaces, instrument and software development. Quality assessment, and sensor reproducibility, durability, reliability, are included as well;
5. Exploitation of the results is a key goal of the PISARRO concept. The partners are planning to keep up their co-operation beyond project termination and to support product developments based on the developed micro system sensors.

Milestones:
1. Development of integrated Micro sensor array chips. Selection of appropriate transducer designs. Optimisation of transducer properties, micro sensor array packaging and sensor-array performance;
2. Prototypes of bio-sensor devices. Evaluation of bio-sensor performance. Assessment of market potentials and feasibility for product development;
3. Prototypes of CO(2)/air-quality/humidity gas-sensor devices and electronic nose sensors. Check of market potentials and feasibility for serial production.

Keywords

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Funding Scheme

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Coordinator

SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
EU contribution
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Address
WITTELSBACHERPLATZ 2
80333 MUENCHEN
Germany

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Total cost

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Participants (6)

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