SiPM as novel optical biosensor: Transduction and applications

Wide ranges of biological applications require fluorescence techniques. In particular, in DNA chip optical fluorophores are conjugated to the target molecule (the molecule to "investigate") that hybridize the probe (a DNA strand anchored on a glass slide) and optical scanners are used as detectors. Goal of our work is to replace the traditional detection system with a novel sensor, based on a pixel array of solid-state photon-detectors (Silicon Photomultipliers, SiPM) and to study new fluorescent dyes. SiPM having different pixel numbers (from 25 to 400 pixel) were used to monitor CY5 and Ru(bpy)32+ dyes fluorescence in various solution conditions, opening the possibility to use SiPM in DNA-chip measurements.