– Structure of DNAFETs:
– DNAFETs are similar to MOSFETs.
– Gate structure is replaced by a layer of immobilized ssDNA.
– Single-stranded DNA molecules act as surface receptors.
– Hybridization of complementary DNA strands changes charge distribution.
– Modulation of current transport through the semiconductor transducer occurs.
– Applications of DNAFETs:
– Used for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms.
– Useful for DNA sequencing.
– Do not require labeling of molecules.
– Work continuously and in (near) real-time.
– Highly selective as only specific binding modulates charge transport.
– Advantages of DNAFETs:
– Not needing labeling of molecules.
– Continuous and (near) real-time operation.
– High selectivity due to specific binding modulation.
– Enable detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms.
– Used for DNA sequencing.
– Research on DNAFETs:
– Li et al. (2004) on label-free DNA sensors based on silicon nanowires.
– Souteyrand et al. (1997) on direct detection of DNA hybridization by field effect.
– Fritz et al. (2002) on electronic detection of DNA by its molecular charge.
– Studies show potential for biosensing applications.
– Research demonstrates the effectiveness of DNAFETs in detecting DNA sequences.
– References on DNAFETs:
– Li Z, Chen Y, Li X, Kamins TI, Nauka K, Williams RS (2004). Sequence-Specific Label-Free DNA Sensors Based on Silicon Nanowires.
– Souteyrand E, Cloarec JP, Martin JR, Wilson C, Lawrence I, Mikkelsen S, Lawrence MF (1997). Direct Detection of the Hybridization of Synthetic Homo-Oligomer DNA Sequences by Field Effect.
– Fritz J, Cooper EB, Gaudet S, Sorger PK, Manalis SR (2002). Electronic detection of DNA by its intrinsic molecular charge.
– Studies published in Nano Lett and J. Phys. Chem. B.
– Research articles provide insights into the capabilities and applications of DNAFETs.
A DNA field-effect transistor (DNAFET) is a field-effect transistor which uses the field-effect due to the partial charges of DNA molecules to function as a biosensor. The structure of DNAFETs is similar to that of MOSFETs, with the exception of the gate structure which, in DNAFETs, is replaced by a layer of immobilized ssDNA (single-stranded DNA) molecules which act as surface receptors. When complementary DNA strands hybridize to the receptors, the charge distribution near the surface changes, which in turn modulates current transport through the semiconductor transducer.
Arrays of DNAFETs can be used for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (causing many hereditary diseases) and for DNA sequencing. Their main advantage compared to optical detection methods in common use today is that they do not require labeling of molecules. Furthermore, they work continuously and (near) real-time. DNAFETs are highly selective since only specific binding modulates charge transport.
