DNA BALLS

摘要

A rapid gene analysis architecture using a miniature spherical-shaped "ball" semiconductor device (100). In one aspect, an electron transfer detector (800) is implemented having each molecular probe (802) attached to a gate (810) of a multi-gated FET which is fabricated on the ball (100). An electron acceptor complex (804) is attached near the distal end of a short spacer chain (806) composed of poly(ethylene oxide), linking the molecular probe (802) to the ball (100). Multiple different molecular probes (802) each containing an electron acceptor complex (804) are placed on the ball (100). Target molecules (801) containing electron donor complexes (808) are passed over the ball surface (101) allowing hybridization to occur. Following hybridization, the ball surface (101) is then illuminated causing stimulation of the electron transfer from the donor complex (808) to the acceptor complex (804) located proximally to the gate (810) of the multi-gated FET. The electron transfer reaction is detected by the FET at a site where hybridization has occurred producing an electron transfer reaction. Conversely, if there are probe-target mismatches, the observed electron transfer does not occur. A signal will only be generated for those sites where hybridization is complete. Electron transfer occurs simultaneously at all locations where there was complete hybridization. Hybridization information is then transmitted from the ball (100) to a computer for processing. Hybridization information obtained from analyte-containing fluids passing over single balls or multiple ball addressable arrays in packed columns is transmitted to a computer for analysis and/or process control.