Archer Materials has successfully demonstrated that its blood potassium Biochip can be fabricated on a silicon platform, matching clinical accuracy standards and accelerating its path to commercialisation.
- Silicon-based Biochip achieves ±0.3 mM potassium sensing accuracy
- Performance matches graphene devices and clinical CLIA standards
- Faster readout and shorter conditioning times than previous models
- Collaboration with IMEC de-risks supply chain and reduces costs
- Plans underway for 2026 productisation targeting point-of-care diagnostics
A Breakthrough in Biochip Technology
Archer Materials Limited, a quantum technology company focused on advanced semiconductor devices, has announced a significant milestone in its silicon Biochip project. In collaboration with IMEC, a leading nanoelectronics research centre, Archer has demonstrated that its blood potassium Biochip can be successfully built on a silicon platform. This development not only meets but matches the clinical accuracy standards required for medical diagnostics, marking a pivotal step towards commercialisation.
The silicon Biochip devices achieved potassium sensing accuracy of ±0.3 millimolar, aligning with both Archer’s previous graphene-based field effect transistor (gFET) devices and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards used in clinical settings. Notably, these silicon devices also offer faster readout times and significantly reduced conditioning and stabilisation periods, around 30 minutes, compared to the earlier graphene models.
Implications for Manufacturing and Market Readiness
Transitioning the Biochip platform from graphene to silicon is a strategic move that de-risks Archer’s supply chain and reduces production costs. Silicon wafer processing is a mature, scalable technology widely used in the semiconductor industry, which means Archer can leverage IMEC’s world-class fabrication capabilities to accelerate development timelines. This flexibility in platform choice enhances the company’s ability to bring its biosensor technology to market efficiently.
Archer’s proprietary sensor functionalisation methods, initially developed for graphene devices, have been successfully adapted to silicon, underscoring the robustness and versatility of their intellectual property. This cross-platform adaptability positions Archer well for future innovations and applications beyond potassium sensing.
Looking Ahead, Clinical Trials and Productisation
Building on these promising initial results, Archer and IMEC are planning a larger-scale project in 2026 focused on developing a silicon-based potassium Biochip and sensor product. This initiative targets point-of-care and at-home diagnostic applications, particularly for chronic kidney disease monitoring, a market with significant clinical need and commercial potential.
The company aims to finalise a working prototype and advance towards clinical trials during 2026 and 2027. In the meantime, ongoing efforts will refine device processing and measurement techniques, as well as test additional silicon Biochip variants to enhance precision and speed. These steps are critical to defining the regulatory approval pathway and ensuring the product meets stringent clinical requirements.
Dr Simon Ruffell, CEO of Archer, highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that leveraging IMEC’s silicon fabrication alongside Archer’s sensor technology opens the door to scalable, cost-effective biosensors that could transform diagnostic testing.
Bottom Line?
Archer’s silicon Biochip breakthrough sets the stage for accelerated commercialisation and expanded diagnostic applications.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Archer navigate regulatory approvals for clinical use of the silicon Biochip?
- What are the cost implications of switching from graphene to silicon at scale?
- Can the silicon platform support additional biomarkers beyond potassium sensing?