Investigation of streptavidin-ligand biochemical interactions by IGZO thin film transistors integrated with microfluidic channels

In this work, we demonstrate an IGZO TFT-based biosensor integrated with a microfluidic channel that can be used to monitor biochemical reactions between proteins and small molecules. The target biomaterials are applied to a Y-shaped microfluidic chamber while the reactant signal is readout by the TFT. Using Biotin-Streptavidin reaction as an example, the specific diffusion time of biotin, streptavidin, or streptavidin-biotin complex across the fluidic channel are benchmarked. By intentionally delaying the application of one specie to another, one can study properties of biochemical reactions, such as excess and exhaust conditions of the reactants, and the formation of the products while diffusing in the channel. The proposed TFT sensor provides an excellent platform in understanding the biochemical functions for the advance of biological science.