ACT/SGER: Silicon Nanowire Field Effect Transistor Arrays as Advanced Biothreat Sensors

Pennsylvania State Univ University Park, University Park PA

Investigators

Abstract

The proposed research will devise novel silicon nanowire biological sensor arrays capable of screening unknown samples by analyzing for DNA markers of a wide variety of dangerous biological species in real time. Specifically, this research will create silicon nanowire field effect transistor sensor arrays to detect the genetic markers of Bacillus anthracis as a model system. The advantages of the newly developed nanowire sensing devices will include rapid response time, on-site detection capability, high detection sensitivity, remarkable selectivity, and small packaging size. This award is supported jointly by the NSF and the Intelligence Community. The Approaches to Combat Terrorism Program in the Directorate for Mathematics and Physical Sciences supports new concepts in basic research and workforce development with the potential to contribute to national security.