Enables Bedside Detection of β-2-Transferrin Using a Silicon MOSFET Sensor
This low-cost, disposable test strip electrically detects β-2-transferrin (β2T), a highly specific protein marker for cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Cerebral spinal fluid leaks are a serious medical condition resulting from trauma, surgery, or spontaneous conditions, affecting an estimated 16,500 individuals in the United States annually. Current diagnostics, such as immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), are time consuming and require CLIA laboratories with trained personnel to perform tests. Additionally, the underlying sensor platforms are expensive, preventing widespread bedside adoption as a point-of-care (POC) alternative. The global rapid diagnostic tests market is valued at USD 32.88 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 67.83 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.62% (2026–2035) , reflecting the expanding demand for novel diagnostics. These shortcomings create a clear need for a rapid and low-cost diagnostic approach for the timely detection of CSF leaks despite low concentrations.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a biosensor integrating a silicon-based Si metal-oxide-semiconductor FET (MOSFET) connected to a disposable functionalized electrode. The electrode is coated with antibodies specific to β2T, a biomarker for CSF leaks. The system's ability to operate on a disposable test strip makes it ideal for point-of-care (POC) testing and facilitates broad accessibility in clinical settings.
Application
A biosensor-based disposable test strip for detecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks using β-2-transferrin (β2T) as a highly specific biomarker
Advantages
- Detects β-2-transferrin (β2T) in small volumes of CSF samples in less than 5 minutes, providing rapid feedback for clinical decision-making
- Uses small volume of fluid samples, possible CSF from a leak, which can be easily obtained (e.g., operating room, clinic office), simplifying sample collection
- Integrates with a standard Si MOSFET platform, reducing production costs
- Senses concentrations from 0.1 ng/mL to 100 μg/mL, delivering sub-nanogram sensitivity for early-stage CSF leaks
- Uses disposable test strips, reducing operational costs and preventing cross-contamination
Technology
This sensor uses a silicon metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) on a compact printed circuit board (PCB) with a disposable antibody-functionalized glass electrode to detect β-2-transferrin (β2T), a specific protein marker of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When a sample containing CSF is applied, the antibody-bound electrode has an electric current change that is detected by the MOSFET. By applying two short, synchronized voltage pulses, the device creates a spring-like perturbation of the bound proteins. This allows reliable measurement even in highly ionic solutions, such as blood or serum, which typically disrupt the sensing process in traditional biosensors. This method allows rapid detection of CSF leakage with high sensitivity (down to 0.1 ng/mL) and fast feedback (within 5 minutes), eliminating the need for expensive semiconductor analyzers and making it more affordable and accessible for medical use.
Brochure
