BIOMARKER DETECTION
Nanowire arrays allow label-free, real-time, multiplex biomarker detection. As molecules, in fluid, pass over the wires of the chip, the molecules selectively bind and unbind to (and from) specific wires depending on the concentration of target currently in solution at any point in time. The chips are connected to a computer which can monitor the signals of the individual wires. Software provides additional analysis tools.


Importance of Continuous Measurement (EKG Illustration)

 "Snapshot" measurement of 2 endpoints in 2 patients:
Continuous version of same EKG data:
Snapshot data suggests:
Continuous data illustrates:

• Virtually no difference between patients
• Decrease in value of endpoints over time
Patients differ considerably (patient 2 has premature
ventricular contraction and compensatory pause)


Examples of Actual Nanowire Detection

Multiplexed Cancer Marker Detection
Multiplexed, real-time monitoring of cancer marker proteins with quantitative & selective detection of protein concentration to femtomolar level.

Multiplexed Antibody/Toxin Detection
Multiplexed, real-time monitoring of toxic molecules.
Undiluted Blood Serum Analysis
Undiluted blood serum analysis in which serum samples are characterized after single step ‘desalting’ purification. Marker proteins are detected selectively in presence of ca. 100-billion-fold excess of serum proteins.
Detection in Rat Urine
Preliminary experiments showing measurement of KIM-1 in rat urine.

Detection in Human Urine
Preliminary experiments showing measurement of KIM-1 in human urine.

Single Oligonucleotide Detection
Receptor and target binding detected with high signal to noise ratio.
Single-Molecule Mismatch Detection
Single-base mismatches readily detected through ‘visualization’ of fundamental binding/unbinding kinetics, which can enable new opportunities for rapid DNA analysis and more generally label-free single-molecules studies in biology.
Single Virus Detection
Nanowire detection of a single virus on a wire is confirmed via simultaneous optical-electrical measurement.