Electronic DNA hybridisation detection in low-ionic strength solutions

Fast DNA detection remains of great interest in human genetics, medicine, and drug discovery. The detection of DNA hybridisation makes the screening of point mutations in potential cancer genes or DNA fingerprinting for phylogenesis purposes possible (S.W. Yeung, T.M.H. Lee, H. Cai, and I.M. Hsing, A DNA biochip for on-the-spot multiplexed pathogen identification, Nucleic Acids Research 34 (2006), p. e118; P. Liepold, H. Wieder, H. Hillebrandt, A. Friebel, G. Hartwich, DNA-arrays with electrical detection: a label-free low cost technology for routine use in life sciences and diagnostics, Bioelectrochemistry, 67 (2005), pp. 143–150). The speed, cost and reliability of the hybridisation detection is of high importance. Electronic detection of hybridisation events using standard CMOS-fabricated devices such as Field Effect Transistors (FETs) promises fast, label-free and multiplexed read-out systems. Moreover, they hold the advantage of high-throughput and minimalisation, which makes them ideal for implement...