Field-effect transistor devices based on functionalized nanocarbon materials (2-D graphene thin layers and 1-D carbon nanotubes) are a promising technology for biomolecular sensing applications. In particular, this type of devices allows for label-free detection of DNA hybridization with the advantage of an easy and direct electrical readout in comparison with most routine techniques.

In this work, we report on the design and fabrication of nanocarbon-based bioFETs for DNA hybridization detection. Employing a combination of microfluidics and real-time electrical measurements, we investigated the response of bioFETs to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe tethering and hybridization with complementary target ssDNA in saline buffer solution. The bioFETs were assembled from individual carbon nanotubes or graphene nanoribbons connected by pairs of metallic electrodes using photolithography techniques. Transfer curves of bioFETs in saline buffer were measured using an immersed pseudo-reference electrode. We obtained transfer curves showing current modulation with high OFF-current at the charge-neutrality point. Probe and target ssDNA were chosen as 22-nucleotide-long complementary sequences. Probe tethering on nanocarbon was obtained using diazonium chemistry followed by EDC/NHS coupling of an amine moiety placed at the extremity of the DNA probe [1]. Transfer characteristics were measured before/after probe and target injection. Moreover, to further characterize the bioFETs response, probe immobilization and probe-target hybridization were recorded in real-time using electrical readout. The development of highly selective and ultra-sensitive sensors for DNA will open novel technological avenues to improve the detection of genetic biomarkers for various diseases.

[1] Bouilly, D. et al. Nano Letters 16, 4679–4685 (2016)