Magnetoresistance-based method and apparatus for molecular detection

摘要

A binding of a molecule with a molecular receptor at a binding site is sensed using a magnetoresistive member proximate to the binding site. A magnetic field associated with the molecule acts to modify an electrical characteristic of the magnetoresistive member when the molecule binds with the molecular receptor. The magnetic field is produced by a magnetic member, such as a magnetic bead, attached to the molecule. Preferably, the magnetoresistive member is integrated with a substrate which supports the binding site. A readout device, such as a thin-film transistor, can also be integrated on the substrate to provide a signal indicative of a binding event.