The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is proud to announce that Dr Durga Prakash M and his scholar Prasanthi Ms Prasanthi Lingala have their invention titled “An Organic Thin-Film Transistors (OTFTs) with Steep Subthreshold and Ultra-Low Temperature Solution Processing for Label-Free Biosensing” published in the Indian Patent Office Journal with the Application Number: 202541000088. Their research focus on developing an Organic Thin-Film Transistor (OTFT) that is able to work as a biosensor in detecting diseases or for real-time health monitoring.
Abstract
Organic Thin-Film Transistor (OTFT): The name “organic thin-film transistor” (OTFT) refers to a type of transistor that employs organic semiconductor materials in its active layer rather than the more traditional inorganic materials such as silicon. Optical thin-film transistors (OTFTs) are distinguished by their adaptability, low fabrication cost, and optimal applicability for electronic devices that are lightweight and portable. Considering their high sensitivity to changes in the surrounding environment and their compatibility with functionalised layers for the detection of biomolecules, these transistors find widespread application in the field of biosensors.
Explanation of the Research in Layperson’s Terms
Imagine a flexible electronic switch that can be bent, stretched, and used in lightweight devices—this is what an Organic Thin-Film Transistor (OTFT) does! Unlike traditional transistors made from rigid silicon, OTFTs use special organic materials, making them more adaptable for wearable sensors, flexible displays, and medical devices.
The research focuses on how these transistors can be used as biosensors, meaning they can detect tiny changes in the environment, like the presence of certain chemicals or biomolecules. This is important for medical testing, where OTFTs could help develop low-cost, highly sensitive diagnostic tools—imagine a simple patch that can detect diseases from sweat or a flexible sensor for real-time health monitoring! By improving how OTFTs interact with biological substances, the team aims to make them more accurate, efficient, and reliable for next-generation healthcare and wearable technology.
Fig.: Schematic structure of DNTT based OTFT