SiCNANO

The proposed SiCNANO network aims at a project proposal in the frame of H2020 - MARIE SKLODOWSKA-CURIE ACTIONS - Innovative Training Networks (ITN) call (First call: Janvier 2018 - Second call: Janvier 2019) in which Grenoble INP will be the coordinator. The fast and in situ detection of small quantities of biomolecules with the transfer of resulting data on a smartphone is of crucial importance for numerous and growing applications : in medical field with the point of care diagnostics (PoC) and in the field of environment monitoring. In this view, robust and portable biosensors must be fabricated while being sensitive, specific and reliable. In this view, and for the first time, the project aims at developing new advanced portable biosensors based on SiC nanowire field effect transistors (SiC NWFETs) for electrical and rapid detection of target molecules which are strategic in medicine field (oncology) and environment. In contrast to the generally studied silicon nanowires (Si NWs), SiC NWs are biocompatible and chemically inert, resilient to temperature, to physiological saline liquid chemicals and aggressive media. Moreover the SiC technology is Si- technology compatible.These remarkable characteristics make them promising candidates to replace both state-of-the-art silicon based biosensors (e.g. Si NWFET, Si-based lab-on-a-chip systems) and -even more importantly- silicon based next generation sequencing devices (NGS). NGS is already a multi-billion $ market and expected to transform the molecular diagnostics industry in the near future. The proposed multidisciplinary SiCNANO network includes four core partners, the know-how of which is strongly recognized at the international scale. It will enable to overcome the different challenges which are inherent to this interdisciplinary research. Highly controled SiC NWFET processing technology (design, fabrication, electrical characterization) will be developed by Grenoble-INP (coordinator of the network), FORTH and CNR. Complementarily, Potsdam-Fraunhofer Institute (FhG-IZI) as well as Grenoble INP will contribute to the specific functionalization of SiC NWFET devices with relevant biomolecules such as DNA and (DNA-based) aptamers for the specific detection of target of interest: (a) DNA from pathogenic bacteria in antimicrobial resistance testing (AMR), (b) heavy metal ions concentration in water for water quality control and, (c) anti-cancer drugs such as doxorubicin for oncology therapy. Assessment of SiC NWFETs performances (sensitivity, stability, acquisition time, reliability, reproducibility) will be performed. The training aspect of is a fundamental aspect of the aimed call. SiCNANO links disciplines such as materials engineering, physics, biochemistry and micro/nanoelectronic engineering with a clear industrial perspective. The involved young scientists (PhD students) will be trained in a variety of topics ranging from theoretical aspects like process and device modelling to more applied topics such as the device physics of SiC NWFETs acting as bio-sensing device, to technological subjects such as the control, deposition and metrology of integration of new materials with SiC channel. Therefore, the students will receive a multi- and interdisciplinary, highly qualified international education, which will turn them into efficient, creative and enthusiastic young researchers with increased employability skills.