DNA-programmed protein-nanoelectronic transducer array

Abstract

By incorporating DNA as addressable linkers, we can direct and coordinate the simultaneous, parallel self-assembling and binding of multiple different redox proteins to designated nanoelectrodes. As a result, we have formed a nanoelectronic-protein transducer array which is capable of real-time, multiplexed detection of several analytes in parallel. The sequence-specificity of DNA hybridization provides the means of encoding spatial address instruction to the otherwise random self-assembling process and enables the desired programmability, scalability, and renewability. Results of this study, under an AFOSR MURI program, demonstrate the feasibility of a new paradigm of biosensing: detection of not only the presence of target substances but also the realtime activities of multiple biomolecules. In this system, the conjugated biomolecules and nanoelectronic components provide the active monitoring and mediating functions in real time, and can be integrated en masse into large arrays in a silicon-based integrated circuit.