Quantum Biosensor Detects Trillionth of a Gram Without External Light Source

Researchers at EPFL have developed an innovative biosensor that uses quantum tunneling to detect biomolecules at an incredibly small scale. This new sensor eliminates the need for external light sources, unlike traditional optical biosensors that rely on bulky equipment to generate light. Instead, the sensor uses an applied electrical voltage to create a process where electrons tunnel through barriers, emitting light in the process. The light produced by the interaction of electrons and gold nanostructures is then used to detect biomolecules such as amino acids or polymers at concentrations as low as a trillionth of a gram. This highly sensitive, compact sensor could have far-reaching applications in healthcare and environmental monitoring, offering a promising solution for point-of-care diagnostics and pollution detection. The technology, which combines light generation and detection on a single chip, could potentially revolutionize the way we detect diseases or pollutants in real time and on-site.