Smart sensors for fast biological analysis

This paper presents an updated overview of present works concerning the realization of biological sensors based on electronic devices. In particular DNA sensors will be described and their main characteristics will be analyzed. As an example, a new sensor for DNA detection and analysis will be described in details. The proposed approach is based on the use of non-volatile memories and does not require sample treatment nor sensor surface functionalization. Moreover fabrication technology is widely compatible with standard CMOS process. Experimental results show that the sensor has sufficient accuracy and sensitivity, that can be further improved by suitable device engineering.