DNA Biosensing Using Field Effect Transistors

Abstract

This article focuses on recent advances and developments of field effect transistor (FET) devices for detecting DNA recognition events such as hybridization, SNP genotyping and primer extension. The unique features of FET biosensors highlight the potential advantages for high-throughput detection of DNA molecules in a label-free manner. In particular, FET devices represent a potential platform for the development of the next-generation DNA sequence instruments based on semiconductor technology. We also review an emerging class of FET devices that use nanomaterials such as silicon nanowires and single-walled carbon nanotubes as a gate channel for the ultrasensitive detection of biological analytes. Keywords: Biosensor, carbon nanotube, DNA sequencer, field effect transistor, Hybridization, Nanowire, SNP, DNA sequencing, ISFET, nanomaterials