DNA sensor for sequencing and mismatches based on electron transport through Watson-Crick and non-Watson-Crick base pairs Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • A combined density functional theory and Green's function procedure is used to calculate the electrical characteristics of Watson-Crick and non-Watson-Crick base pairs; calculations are performed to determine: the molecular orbitais that participate in the electron-transfer process, junction current-voltage characteristics, density of states, transmission function, and molecular electrostatic potentials. The distinct current-voltage features of base pairs can be used for detecting and sequencing DNA, as well as for detecting DNA base-pair mismatches by passing the double strand through two perpendicular metallic electrodes to the DNA, or by scanning the double strand with conducting probes. We find in the range from -1 to 1 V for the Watson-Crick pairs that the CG is a better electron conductor than the AT and, on the other hand, the best and worst conductors are the non-Watson-Crick mismatches CT and AA, respectively. 2008 IEEE.

published proceedings

  • IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL

author list (cited authors)

  • Jauregui, L. A., & Seminario, J. M.

citation count

  • 21

complete list of authors

  • Jauregui, Luis A||Seminario, Jorge M

publication date

  • June 2008