Rapid endotoxin detection platform using NEMS cantilever biosensor

Overview

This solution offers a rapid, sensitive, and continuous detection platform for bacterial endotoxins and chemical contaminants in aqueous solutions. By integrating cell-free synthetic biology biosensors (allosteric transcription factors) with a NEMS microcantilever MOSFET platform, the technology delivers an electrical detection signal within 2-3 minutes of sample introduction. The platform is designed for low-cost, simple operation suitable for point-of-care deployment in clinical and environmental settings.

Technical specifications

Core technology:

• NEMS microcantilever platform with integrated MOSFET readout electronics and differential measurement capability to eliminate false positives
• Cell-free synthetic biology biosensors using allosteric transcription factors (aTFs) that bind or unbind DNA upon target contaminant introduction, producing cantilever deflection
• Detection sensitivity demonstrated down to 0.001 µM for tetracycline in aqueous medium
• Prior SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection achieved limit of detection of 100 copies/mL (0.71 ng/mL nucleocapsid protein) in patient swab samples in under 5 minutes
• Target endotoxin detection sensitivity of a few pg/mL in aqueous solution
• Per-chip manufacturing cost of approximately $0.50, enabling scalable mass production

Key features:

• Tunable biosensor configuration for detecting multiple contaminant targets
• Handheld point-of-care prototype planned for hospital use
• Direct on-chip differential electronics readout for reliable signal interpretation

Technology readiness level

The platform is at an advanced development stage with prior validation in clinical SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection across 13 patient samples showing high selectivity and analytical sensitivity. Tetracycline detection experiments have confirmed the cell-free synthetic biology approach on the cantilever platform. Mass production of diagnostic chips is planned in the initial project phase, with laboratory experiments establishing endotoxin limits of detection running in parallel. A handheld point-of-care prototype for endotoxin and microbial detection is targeted for development within six months for hospital deployment.