Optimization of DNA detection using FETs

Abstract

Direct electrical detection of DNA using field-effect transistors (FETs) has proven to facilitate the development of robust biosensors that are CMOS-compatible and highly sensitive. In this paper, we identify several factors that can cause the performance of different BioFET cells in an array to differ, causing unwanted background variations between the cells of a microarray. These variations add up to the already existing noise sources, such as the electrolyte noise, the FET noise, and the reference electrode drift. We also introduce techniques that can potentially speed up the hybridization process, reduce the noise, and enhance the sensitivity.