Advanced semiconductor biosensing devices are constrained by fabrication methods that struggle to produce ultra-thin, stable sensing membranes reproducibly at commercial scale. 

Edmonton-based Norcada, a world leader in the fabrication and commercialization of solid-state nanopores, with applications testing support from the University of Ottawa, is developing new microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) processes for membrane and nanopore sensor chips, addressing needs in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and advanced computing. More capable platforms could improve genomic and proteomic analysis, enable earlier disease detection, support real-time contaminant monitoring, and contribute to neuromorphic systems.

The project combines thin film layers along with wafer-scale integration of two-dimensional materials to achieve atomic-scale thickness control and create stacked heterostructures with improved stability and performance. 

These materials will be incorporated into commercial chip platforms, with new device designs validated through parallel fluidic testing to assess long-term stability, ionic transport, noise performance, and biomolecule sensing. 

Norcada will lead fabrication process development and product commercialization, while uOttawa researchers will contribute expertise in nanopore science and device testing.  

The resulting processes and device architectures are expected to enable new commercial product lines based on ultra-thin membranes and 2D-material sensing chips that are not currently available from any manufacturer worldwide.