Using transistors to linearise biochemistry

A fundamental relationship exists between diffusion characteristics within semiconductors and Nernstian equilibrium in biological systems. In a transistor operating in weak inversion the potential difference between terminals governs electron concentration in an exponential way according to the Boltzmann distribution of charged particles while in a biochemical cell the potential difference across a membrane is governed by ionic concentration in a logarithmic way according to the Nernst equation. These two nonlinear physical phenomena form an interaction that potentially leads to linearisation and subsequent modelling of or interaction with biological systems by integrated semiconductor devices. To demonstrate the authors´ hypothesis a silicon transistor-based biosensor is considered. This natural bridge between biochemistry and semiconductor silicon chips will enable the potential mass production of portable biochemical devices for the consumer market