DNA field-effect transistor

DNAFET

A DNA field-effect transistor (DNAFET) is a transistor which utilizes the electrical properties of DNA molecules to function as a biosensor. The structure of DNAFETs is similar to that of MOSFETs with the exception of the gate structure which, in DNAFETs, is replaced with a layer of DNA molecules which act as surface receptors. When a complimentary DNA molecule bonds with this receptor molecule, the local charge distribution of the molecule changes, which in turn modules charge flow through the semiconduction substrate. DNAFETs are highly selective since only specific molecules have the necessary components to bind with the surface molecules of the device.

Arrays of DNAFETs will be able to detect a large number of biomolecules. The main advantage of DNAFETs over biological detection methods used today is that DNAFETs do not require labeling of molecules to function. Potential applications of this technology include the improved detection of specific cells such as cancer cells and the detection of hereditary diseases.

REFERENCES

C. Heitzinger and G. Klimeck, "Computational Aspects of the Three-Dimensional Feature-Scale Simulation of Silicon-Nanowire Field-Effect Sensors for DNA Detection," J. Computational Electronics (2006).