Purdue University researchers have developed a new modeling technique to study and design miniature biosensors, providing a conceptual framework and computational model to relate the shape of a sensor to its performance and explain why certain designs perform better than others.

Biosensors integrate electronic circuitry with natural molecules, such as antibodies or DNA, which enable the devices to capture target molecules. These currently experimental devices represent a new class of portable sensors designed to capture and detect specific target molecules, which will allow the sensors to identify pathogens, DNA or other substances.