DNA hybridization detection with organic thin film transistors: Toward fast and disposable DNA microarray chips

We demonstrate a novel DNA hybridization detection method with organic thin film transistors. DNA molecules are immobilized directly on the surface of organic semiconductors, producing an unambiguous doping-induced threshold voltage shift upon hybridization. With these shifts, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) are differentiated successfully. This method is expected to result in higher sensitivity than the main competitive technology, ISFET-based sensors because of the direct exposure of DNA molecules to sensitive layers. Factors that influence sensor sensitivity have been analyzed and optimum conditions have been determined using statistically designed experiments. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum difference between saturation current ratios caused by ssDNA and dsDNA reaches as high as 70%. In order to make DNA detection fast, we also demonstrate rapid on-chip electrically enhanced hybridization using the TFTs. These technologies together will enable the realization of disposable, rapid-turnaround tools for field-deployable genomic diagnosis.