Label-free single-molecule detection of DNA-hybridization kinetics with a carbon nanotube field-effect transistor

Nat Nanotechnol. 2011 Feb;6(2):126-32. doi: 10.1038/nnano.2010.275. Epub 2011 Jan 23.

Abstract

Single-molecule measurements of biomolecules can provide information about the molecular interactions and kinetics that are hidden in ensemble measurements. However, there is a requirement for techniques with improved sensitivity and time resolution for use in exploring biomolecular systems with fast dynamics. Here, we report the detection of DNA hybridization at the single-molecule level using a carbon nanotube field-effect transistor. By covalently attaching a single-stranded probe DNA sequence to a point defect in a carbon nanotube, we are able to measure two-level fluctuations in the conductance of the nanotube in the presence of a complementary DNA target. The kinetics of the system are studied as a function of temperature, allowing the measurement of rate constants, melting curves and activation energies for different sequences and target concentrations. The kinetics demonstrate non-Arrhenius behaviour, in agreement with DNA hybridization experiments using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. This technique is label-free and could be used to probe single-molecule dynamics at microsecond timescales.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / metabolism*
  • Electrodes
  • Kinetics
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Nanotechnology
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization / methods*
  • Oligonucleotides / genetics
  • Oligonucleotides / metabolism
  • Transistors, Electronic*

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Oligonucleotides