Aptamer functionalized AlGaN/GaN HEMT biosensor array for electrical enumeration of circulating tumor cells

This paper demonstrates a novel AlGaN/GaN HEMT (High Electron Mobility Transistor) biosensor array to count the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the sample. Due to the high sensitivity of GaN HEMT and the new sensing technique, capture of cells on the sensor can be measured electrically with a resolution of single cell binding. By using sensor array, CTC capture and detection can be enhanced. The novel sensor array fabrication technique provides flexibility and robustness, while increasing throughput. This method of electrical enumeration can also be extended to other cell lines and cell types to identify normal and abnormal cells, in the future.