M-DNA/Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Hybrid Structure-based Bio-FET sensor with Ultra-high Sensitivity

Here, we report a high performance biosensor based on (i) a Cu(2+)-DNA/MoS(2) hybrid structure and (ii) a field effect transistor, which we refer to as a bio-FET, presenting a high sensitivity of 1.7 × 10(3) A/A. This high sensitivity was achieved by using a DNA nanostructure with copper ions (Cu(2+)) that induced a positive polarity in the DNA (receptor). This strategy improved the detecting ability for doxorubicin-like molecules (target) that have a negative polarity. Very short distance between the biomolecules and the sensor surface was obtained without using a dielectric layer, contributing to the high sensitivity. We first investigated the effect of doxorubicin on DNA/MoS(2) and Cu(2+)-DNA/MoS(2) nanostructures using Raman spectroscopy and Kelvin force probe microscopy. Then, we analyzed the sensing mechanism and performance in DNA/MoS(2)- and Cu(2+)-DNA/MoS(2)-based bio-FETs by electrical measurements (I(D)-V(G) at various V(D)) for various concentrations of doxorubicin. Finally, successful operation of the Cu(2+)-DNA/MoS(2) bio-FET was demonstrated for six cycles (each cycle consisted of four steps: 2 preparation steps, a sensing step, and an erasing step) with different doxorubicin concentrations. The bio-FET showed excellent reusability, which has not been achieved previously in 2D biosensors.