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DNA hybridization sensor
Our research is focused on developing a nanotechnology based DNA hybridization sensor for colorectal cancer marker detection. Silicon nanowires function on the same surface charge detection principle as the ion-sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) and can be used for charge based DNA hybridization detection. We are using silicon nanowire based DNA hybridization sensors for the sensitive detection of colorectal cancer. It has been reported that some genes in the body are responsible for maintaining the basal normal state of the cells. One of the mechanisms to control the on/off state of the genes is in turn regulated by its state of methylation. Hypermethylation of promoter regions of genes is one of the early mechanisms that elicits cancerous response and has been shown for genes involved in colorectal cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Hence the challenge of my project lies in the use of Si-nanowire for charge based detection of hypermethylation as well as the specific gene of interest for early colorectal cancer monitoring on a nanosensing/lab-on-a-chip platform.
(Left): Integrated LOC / Si-NW biosensor chip (Center): Chip holder and assembled system (Right): Measured Si-NW front gate biasing characteristic in solution.
Contact information
Arpita De and Dr. Edwin Carlen
BIOS Lab on a Chip Group
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology
University of Twente
E-mail: A.De@utwente.nl & e.t.carlen@utwente.nl
