Spintronic biosensors for gene or micro-organism detection

Spintronic biosensors are integrated microchips where arrays of biological probes (DNA, antibodies) are immobilized over a functionalized surface, and arrays of magnetoresistive sensors are used to detect the eventual hybridisation of magnetically labelled complementary target biomolecules (complementary DNA, antigens) to the immobilized probes. Non-remnant magnetic beads with diameters, ranging from few microns to few hundred nanometers are used to label the target biomolecules. The magnetically labelled target biomolecules can then be efficiently concentrated over the probe areas by using on-chip generated local magnetic field gradient. Here, the first statistical data obtained with cystic fibrosis related probes and targets is discussed. Also, a second biological assay using Salmonella cells and antibodies is also discussed.