Two-dimensional layered MoS₂ biosensors enable highly sensitive detection of biomolecules

Sci Rep. 2014 Dec 17:4:7352. doi: 10.1038/srep07352.

Abstract

We present a MoS2 biosensor to electrically detect prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a highly sensitive and label-free manner. Unlike previous MoS2-FET-based biosensors, the device configuration of our biosensors does not require a dielectric layer such as HfO2 due to the hydrophobicity of MoS2. Such an oxide-free operation improves sensitivity and simplifies sensor design. For a quantitative and selective detection of PSA antigen, anti-PSA antibody was immobilized on the sensor surface. Then, introduction of PSA antigen, into the anti-PSA immobilized sensor surface resulted in a lable-free immunoassary format. Measured off-state current of the device showed a significant decrease as the applied PSA concentration was increased. The minimum detectable concentration of PSA is 1 pg/mL, which is several orders of magnitude below the clinical cut-off level of ~4 ng/mL. In addition, we also provide a systematic theoretical analysis of the sensor platform - including the charge state of protein at the specific pH level, and self-consistent channel transport. Taken together, the experimental demonstration and the theoretical framework provide a comprehensive description of the performance potential of dielectric-free MoS2-based biosensor technology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Disulfides / chemistry*
  • Disulfides / immunology*
  • Equipment Design / methods
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Immunoassay / methods*
  • Male
  • Molybdenum / chemistry*
  • Molybdenum / immunology*
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / chemistry*
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / immunology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Disulfides
  • Molybdenum
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen
  • molybdenum disulfide