Electrochemical Analyser Microchip with Monolithic integration of Nanoelectrode Array and Instrumentation

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The phenomenal progress of semiconductor technology from the invention of the transistor to the integration of billions of transistors on a tiny microchip in less than 60 years, is unequalled by any other man-made technology. This has revolutionized the cost, amount and rate by which we receive information from the outside world (i.e. through advances in radio systems, television, smartphones, etc.). However, the way we receive information about ourselves and our health has remained the same over decades: blood test, which provides a snapshot of our body's condition, if and when prescribed by a GP.Continuous, non-invasive measurement of vital parameters (specifically, chemical biomarkers) in the human body could address unmet clinical needs in personalized therapy, closed-loop drug dosage, early detection of infection, and monitoring and management of pain and chronic health conditions. A wide range of molecular components, including enzymes, hormones, and antibodies commonly found via invasive blood testing are accurately reflected in other body fluids such as saliva and sweat. However, the potential of non-blood biofluids in reflecting an individual's health condition in real-time has not been harvested yet because of the absence of a suitable analysis technology. In this application, we propose an ambitious programme to create a core analyser system based on semiconductor technology that is scalable, low-cost, long-lasting, and autonomous. In particular, we will develop innovative processes to manufacture a microsystem for the real-time and continuous measurement of a variety of biomolecules such as chemical biomarkers of pain in saliva. This requires key technological advances beyond state-of-the-art in two cognate disciplines of electrochemical sensors and microelectronics. The outcome of this project can be transferred to the clinical practice to improve diagnostic and enable closed loop pain therapy potentially leading to a better quality of life.