Field Effect Sensors for Nucleic Acid Detection: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

In the last decade the use of field-effect-based devices has become a basic structural element in a new generation of biosensors that allow label-free DNA analysis. In particular, ion sensitive field effect transistors (FET) are the basis for the development of radical new approaches for the specific detection and characterization of DNA due to FETs’ greater signal-to-noise ratio, fast measurement capabilities, and possibility to be included in portable instrumentation. Reliable molecular characterization of DNA and/or RNA is vital for disease diagnostics and to follow up alterations in gene expression profiles. FET biosensors may become a relevant tool for molecular diagnostics and at point-of-care. The development of these devices and strategies should be carefully designed, as biomolecular recognition and detection events must occur within the Debye length. This limitation is sometimes considered to be fundamental for FET devices and considerable efforts have been made to develop better architectures. Herein we review the use of field effect sensors for nucleic acid detection strategies—from production and functionalization to integration in molecular diagnostics platforms, with special focus on those that have made their way into the diagnostics lab.

Sensing at the Surface of Graphene Field‐Effect Transistors

“…[65][66][67] The outcomes of researches in this area, however, did not reached the marked yet, [152] although ultimate single molecule sensitivity has been demonstrated and prototype biosensor chips in various forms have also been developed. [65][66][67] In the following sections, we will critically review the current trends in the development of GFET-based gas and ion sensors, protein and DNA sensors, and cellular sensors in revisiting the ambiguous cases and in meeting the social/scientific needs. A brief introduction to the graphene electrochemical sensors will also be given as their operation and sensing mechanism can be regarded to be complementary to GFET sensing technologies.…”

“…[171] One of the important expectations/outcomes of a highly sensitive and selective bioGFET is to analyze biomarkers for especially point-of-care applications. [65][66][67] As an example, femtomolars of prostate specific antigen/α1-antichymotrypsin (PSA-ACT) -a complex biomarker in prostate cancer diagnosis -could be detected using a rGO FET (Fig. 6c, lower panel) by functionalizing the graphene surface with PSA monoclonal antibody (PSAmAb) (Fig.…”

“…We expect these perspectives will prompt GFET's future development with potential to revolutionize the fields ranging from neuronal sensing to point-of-care medical diagnosis. [65][66][67]192] …”

Real-time reliable determination of binding kinetics of DNA hybridization using a multi-channel graphene biosensor

“…Highly promising candidates for next-generation biosensors are nanomaterial field-effect transistors (FETs)89 that detect charged molecules by electronic responses. One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes and nanowires (NWs) have been demonstrated for real-time detection of a variety of bioactive molecules with ultrasensitivity from nM to fM level101112131415161718.…”

Biosensor Based Cell-Phone Integrated Point of Care Diagnostic Devices: Challenges

“…Implementing transducing dyes with non-overlapping narrow emission and absorption spectra, noise can be reduced to considerable level. Further signal to noise ratio can be improved by introducing mathematical algorithm [35][36][37][38]. However detection of photons in the BICPOCDS still remains the challenge.…”