Electro-Scattering Antennas For Advanced Diagnostics

Light-sensitive wireless antennas from MIT offer a new way to decode cellular signals, enabling precise diagnostics and targeted therapies.

MIT researchers have pioneered a biosensing device using wireless, light-sensitive antennas to detect electrical signals between cells. This innovation eliminates the traditional reliance on wired systems for improved diagnostics and targeted treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s and arrhythmia.

The device uses organic electro-scattering antennas (OCEANs) made from a polymer called PEDOT: PSS. These antennas detect electrical activity by altering the intensity of light they scatter, providing an efficient, high-resolution means of studying cellular communication in liquid environments. Unlike traditional methods, the system can record data from thousands of points simultaneously, offering unprecedented insights into bioelectricity, a fundamental aspect of cellular function.

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“Recording the electrical activity of cells with high throughput and resolution has always been a challenge. OCEANs represent an innovative step forward,” said Benoît Desbiolles, the study’s lead author. The device is particularly appealing to researchers in biology and neuroscience who seek a user-friendly tool for studying intricate cellular signals without requiring expertise in electronics. OCEANs are robust, capable of continuous recording for over 10 hours, and designed for in vitro studies where cells can be cultured directly on the device for analysis.

The fabrication process, conducted at MIT.nano facilities, starts with layers of conductive and insulating materials deposited on a glass substrate. Using a focused ion beam, researchers etch nanoscale holes into the chip and “grow” mushroom-shaped antennas by applying electric current. This scalable technique produces millions of sensors capable of detecting signals as faint as 2.5mV, with rapid responsiveness within milliseconds.

The development also holds potential for integration with nanophotonic devices, potentially reshaping next-generation sensor technologies. “By decoding intricate cellular signals, OCEANs could revolutionise biological research and therapeutic evaluations,” noted senior author Deblina Sarkar.

This work promises transformative advancements in biosensing and medical applications.