Nanowire based bioprobes for electrical monitoring of electrogenic cells

The continuous miniaturization of electronic components and the emergence of nano-biotechnology has opened new perspectives to monitor electrical activities at the single cell level. Here, we describe the creation of very high surface-to-volume ratio passive devices (vertical nanowire probes) using large-scale fabrication process, allowing to follow the electrical activity of mammalian neurons. Based on conventional silicon processing, the silicon nanowires were silicided in platinum in order to improve their electrochemical performances and to guarantee their biocompatibility. Very high signal to noise ratio was achieved (up to 2000) when measuring spontaneous action potentials. Moreover, this bio-platform was used to record the impact of various bio-chemical and electrical stimulations on neuronal activity. To conclude, this study proposes a thorough comparison of the characteristics and performances of these new nanowire-based nanoprobes with the main alternative systems published up to now.

Arrays of nanoelectromechanical biosensors functionalized by microcontact printing

The biofunctionalization of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) is critical for the development of new classes of biosensors displaying improved performance and higher levels of integration. In this paper we propose a modified microcontact process (μCP) in order to biofunctionalize arrays of NEMS with a probe molecule on the active sensing areas together with an anti-fouling layer on the passive areas in a single, self-aligned step. We demonstrate the adequate functionalization/anti-fouling of arrays of freestanding nanocantilevers as dense as 10(5) nanostructures cm(-2) by using both fluorescence microscopy and dynamic measurements of the structures' resonant frequency. The proper bioactivity of an antibody deposited onto the cantilevers and the blocking property of a bovine serum albumin layer are both assessed by incubating specific and non-specific tagged secondary antibodies followed by fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, measurement of the resonant frequency of the nanocantilevers before and after functionalization and biological recognition demonstrate that using μCP for device functionalization does not damage the nanostructures and preserves the mechanical sensing capability of our NEMS.

Wafer scale interdigitated nanoelectrode devices functionalized using a MEMS-based deposition system

This paper reports on a methodology to elaborate interdigitated nanoelectrode devices (INDs) at the wafer scale, relying on a mix-and-match process which combines proximity optical lithography and electron beam lithography. An optimum exposure dose allowed fabricating nanodevices, at the wafer level, with a successful yield of 97%. The final devices are bonded onto conventional TO-8 packages. Electrical characterization in a short-circuited nanoelectrode is performed, revealing a 230 µΩ cm resistivity value at 23 °C. A MEMS-based spotter made of cantilevers (called Bioplume) has been used to obtain precise functionalization of the INDs with sub-picoliter volume solutions. These INDs are the basis of multiple tunnel junction nanodevices, intended to serve as novel highly sensitive nanobiosensors.

Three-dimensional closed microfluidic channel fabrication by stepper projection single step lithography: the diabolo effect

Microfluidic devices are currently being used in many types of biochemical microsystems for liquid phase analysis in the frame of medical applications. This paper presents a new technique for the realization of microfluidic channels using SU-8, a commonly used epoxy-based negative photo-resist. These microchannels were fabricated by a single stepper UV-photolithography process. By changing the process parameters, e.g. the optical focus depth and the UV exposure dose, well-defined, covered microchannels with various dimensions and aspect ratios were realized and proven to be effective for the fluid transport by capillarity. This technique can easily be used for the fabrication of microfluidic devices in the microanalysis and lab-on-chip applications realm.