Field-effect detection of chemical species with hybrid organic/inorganic transistors

In this letter, we demonstrate that organic-based transistors are able to detect charged/uncharged chemical species in aqueous media via the field effect. The chemical sensitivity of the organic transistors is illustrated for protons and glucose. The electrochemical potential developed at the solution/dielectric interface depends on the proton concentration in solution and it modifies the current flowing in the transistor according to this concentration. Glucose can also be detected if an enzymatic layer is coupled to the dielectric surface. An inorganic proton-sensitive dielectric, Ta2O5, is used in the transistor structure in order to reduce the operational voltages. The field-effect detection of chemical species allows us to realize sensors for a variety of ions/molecules if layers with a specific functionality are added to the transistor. Organic-based sensing devices show great potential for low-cost, health-related, and environmental applications because of their very simple fabrication process, which leads to disposability. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.