Direct detection of single-base extension reaction using genetic field effect transistor

Abstract

We have proposed a novel field effect transistor (FET) in combination with single-base extension for a direct, simple and non-labeled DNA sequencing, which is based on detection of molecular recognition at the gate insulator by the field effect. The intrinsic negative charges generated by DNA polymerase-assisted incorporation of deoxynucleotides can be transduced directly into electrical signal. Mere, we demonstrate that single-base extension at the gate surface can be detected directly as a shift of the threshold voltage of the FET. Moreover, it was possible to determine the base sequence of the target DNA by the iterative cycles of single-base extension with each deoxynucleotides and measurement of the threshold voltage.