Quantitative Radio-Labeled Biomolecule Detection Using a Functionalized CMOS Sensor

For the first time, a CMOS imager has been used to detect the presence of radio-labeled target biomolecules captured on a functionalized surface. A CMOS image sensor from an SLR camera was used. Using aptamer functionalization the system successfully detected 32 P labeled adenosine triphosphate (ATP) at concentrations well below those typically associated with fluorescence-based sensor architectures. The system has also demonstrated its amenability to multiplexed/spotted biomolecule detection. GEANT4, a Monte Carlo toolkit for simulating the passage of radiation through matter, was used to analyze the detector. Radiolabel detection offers the potential for direct quantitative measurement of bound biomolecules which is advantageous compared to the use of fluorescent tags.