Integrated sensor for the rapid identification of bacteria using isfets

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and systems for the detection of bacteria in a sample. The methods comprises contacting the sample with an antibacterial agent and a bacteria identification sensor, and involves the permeabilization of the bacteria by the antibacterial agent, and the subsequent detection of an efflux of potassium ions using a bacteria identification sensor comprising a potassium-sensitive ISFET. Also disclosed are bacteria identification sensor comprising a potassium-sensitive ISFET useful in the practice of the disclosed methods.

1 . A method for detecting a bacterium in a sample, said method comprising contacting said sample with an antibacterial agent and a bacteria identification sensor. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said antibacterial agent is a bacteriophage. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said antibacterial agent is a bacteriophage tail-like bacteriocin. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said antibacterial agent is a lytic enzyme. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said antibacterial agent is a bacteriophage ghost. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said antibacterial agent is an antibiotic. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said bacteria identification sensor comprises an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET). 
     
     
         8 . The method of  7  wherein said ISFET is potassium-sensitive ISFET. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said ISFET is coupled in a drain source follower configuration. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said ISFET comprises a p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor coupled to an electrode covered by a passivation layer, said passivation layer covered by a potassium-sensitive membrane. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said bacteria identification sensor comprises a first CMOS transistor with a potassium sensitive membrane and a second CMOS transistor with a potassium insensitive membrane. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said first and second CMOS transistors are integrated on a single chip and coupled in a differential arrangement. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein gate terminals of said first and second CMOS transistors are coupled to a common electrode on said chip. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said bacteria identification sensor comprises an array of ISFETS. 
     
     
         15 . A method for detecting a bacterium in a sample, said method comprising: the permeabilization of said bacterium by an antibacterial agent; and detecting the efflux of potassium ions using a bacteria identification sensor comprising a potassium-sensitive ISFET. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said antibacterial agent is a bacteriophage. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said antibacterial agent is a bacteriophage tail-like bacteriocin. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said antibacterial agent is a lytic enzyme. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said antibacterial agent is a bacteriophage ghost. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said antibacterial agent is an antibiotic. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said ISFET is coupled in a drain source follower configuration. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said ISFET comprises a p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor coupled to an electrode covered by a passivation layer, said passivation layer covered by a potassium-sensitive membrane. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said bacteria identification sensor comprises a first CMOS transistor with a potassium sensitive membrane and a second CMOS transistor with a potassium insensitive membrane 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said first and second CMOS transistors are integrated on a single chip and coupled in a differential arrangement. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein gate terminals of said first and second CMOS transistors are coupled to a common electrode on said chip. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said bacteria identification sensor comprises an array of ISFETS. 
     
     
         28 . A system for detecting bacteria, said system comprising:
 a bacteria identification sensor on a chip, said bacteria identification sensor comprising:   a first complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistor with a potassium sensitive membrane coupled to a gate terminal of said first CMOS transistor;   a second CMOS transistor with a potassium insensitive membrane coupled to a gate terminal of said second CMOS transistor, wherein said first and second CMOS transistors are coupled in a differential configuration and coupled to a differential amplifier integrated on said chip.