Multi-Order Dynamic Range DNA Sensor Using a Gold Decorated SWCNT Random Network

A novel electrical DNA biosensor is presented, which consists of gold (Au) nanoscale islands and a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) network on top of a concentric Au electrode array (also referred to as the CGi). The decorated Au islands on the SWCNT network provide ideal docking sites for ss-DNA probe (p-DNA) molecules. They also provide better adhesion between the SWCNT network and the chip substrate. In addition, the concentric electrode gives asymmetric current voltage characteristics in the solution and provides more flexible bias options to the electrodes. The sensor system is applied to a DNA sensor after functionalization with a 25 mer p-DNA (5'-HSC(6)-C(18)-GCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTC-3'), hereafter called the [CGi+p-DNA]. The response of the DNA sensor has been measured in both real-time during hybridization with the complementary target ss-DNAs (t-DNA) and the static mode after the hybridization and washing steps. A wide dynamic range from the 100 fM to 1 μM has been achieved from the real-time mode and the static mode. Moreover, it is shown that the sensor system differentiates partially mismatched (single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), half mismatch, noncomplementary) t-DNA, as well. The [CGi] sensor platform can be easily extended to target specific biological recognition elements such as aptamers or proteins.