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Project

Synthetic diamond films as platform material for novel DNA sensors with electronic detection principles (R-1434)

This proposal has three major objectives: 1) A thorough characterization of the 'molecular brushes' formed by single -and double stranded DNA fragments covalently attached to CVD-diamond. 2)A study of the electronic structure at the semiconductor-electrolyte interface, its modification by the presence of charged DNA macromolecules, and a possible pinning of the Fermi level due to surface states. 3)Understanding the influence of sensor design on the performance of a label-free, electronic sensor for the detection of DNA hybridization. The final DNA-sensor should combine a fast response (minutes scale) with high selectivity (clear distinction between complementary, single -and multi-mismatched DNA fragments), and a low detection threshold , suitable for tiny concentrations of target DNA. Various sensor layouts can be considered, but we will focus on the versatile 'perpendicular' electrode configurations: the DNA-activated diamond acts as bottom electrode in a liquid cell with the counter electrode placed above in the buffer solution. This concept gives access to the electronic properties at the semiconductor-biomolecular interface and can eventually be up scaled to an array of sensors.
Date:1 Jan 2009 →  31 Dec 2012
Keywords:ELECTRONIC MATERIAL SYSTEMS, THIN FILMS
Disciplines:Physical sciences