Label-free electrical detection of DNA with a multi-spot LAPS: First step towards light-addressable DNA chips

A multi-spot (4 × 4 spots) light-addressable potentiometric sensor (MLAPS) consisting of an Al-p-Si-SiO₂ structure has been applied for the label-free electrical detection of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) immobilization and hybridization by the intrinsic molecular charge for the first time. Single-stranded probe ssDNA molecules (20 bases) were covalently immobilized onto the silanized SiO₂ gate surface. The unspecific adsorption of mismatch ssDNA on the MLAPS gate surface was blocked by bovine serum albumin molecules. To reduce the screening effect and to achieve a high sensor signal, the measurements were performed in a low ionic-strength solution. The photocurrent-voltage (I-V) curves were simultaneously recorded on all 16 spots after each surface functionalization step. Large shifts of I-V curves of 25 mV were registered after the DNA immobilization and hybridization event. In contrast, a small potential shift (∼5 mV) was observed in case of mismatch ssDNA, revealing good specificity of the sensor. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of the MLAPS as promising transducer platform for the multi-spot label-free electrical detection of DNA molecules by their intrinsic molecular charge.