Supramolecular techniques in MOS systems for definition of nanoscale features and for biosensors

Silicon microelectronics and MOS technology are among the most important fields of development in modern science and technology. On the other hand, the biotechnology community is feeling the need to implement fast, portable, low cost and user friendly biosensors to monitor different species in the everyday life (e.g. air and water pollution, biomedical applications, etc.). A promising approach to evolve biosensor technology appears to take advantage of the enormous potential offered by the silicon microelectronic integration technology. In this chapter we discuss MOS based Si biosensors in which the sensitive elements (both proteins and DNA strands) are covalently immobilized on the transistor gate surface and are able to detect either organic or inorganic molecules. To further improve both the biosensor responsivity and selectivity, the use of nanostructures is a viable tool. We describe how a supramolecular approach based on diblock copolymers self-assembling can be used for nanoscale definition of mono and two dimensional anchoring sites of the bio-elements, with control on size and position at nanometer level.