ELECTRICAL DETECTION OF DNA HYBRIDIZATION AND SPECIFIC BINDING EVENTS

摘要

A method for detecting a target analyte having a first binding site and a second binding site. A substrate is provided having at least a first and a second patterned conductor, the first conductor being separated from the second conductor. The arrangement of the patterned conductors forms at least two substantially non-conducting gaps. The method may also include contacting to the substrate capture probes that bind specifically to the first binding site of the target analyte and providing electrically conductive nanoparticles having bound thereto binding sites that bind specifically to the second binding site of the target analyte. Then, contacting the substrate and the to electrically conductive nanoparticles with the target analyte under hybridizing conditions will bind the target analyte to the substrate and to the electrically conductive nanoparticles. The electrically conductive nanoparticles between the conductors can thus be electrically detected. Detection can be improved by silver deposition of the nanoparticles.