Protons and single nucleotide polymorphism detection: A simple use for the Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor

The identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) is a subject receiving considerable attention owing to the possibility of diagnosing and screening for diseases they are connected with. Currently, the emphasis for their detection is using DNA hybridisation methods and the development of novel, mainly fluorescent based methods for hybridisation detection. We report on a new method for identifying SNPs using Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor technology. Through the detection of single nucleotide mismatches, we show a procedure for effectively sequencing one base and therefore a mechanism for sequencing new DNA.