Researchers at the Cidetec-IK4 Research Centre at San Sebastian in Spain have developed a new type of electrochemical nanobiosensor capable of detecting mutations in DNA much more rapidly than before. The sensor technology also offers the possibility to be extended to the detection of other types of molecule.

The nanobiosensor comprises a nanotransistor, the cable of which is a carbon nanotube modified by a polymer that enables DNA to anchor. High selectivity can be achieved without the need to modify the DNA and the sensor is capable of detecting sequences, such as those implicated in particular genetic diseases directly.

Source: Basque Research

Journal reference: Nano Letters, 2009; 9 (2): 530

Cidetec-IK4