An AFM investigation of oligonucleotides anchored on unoxidized crystalline silicon surfaces

Carboxylic terminated monolayers have been covalently attached on phosphorous doped crystalline (1 0 0) silicon surfaces using a cathodic electro grafting technique. The functionalization concentration and efficiency have been evaluated with different techniques. In particular, topographic images, performed with an atomic force microscope, were used to optimize the protocol in order to obtain a surface whose characteristics of uniformity and reproducibility are ideal for a bio-electronic device. Phase lag images of the functionalized surfaces were also performed, and show non-topographic structures that have been interpreted as areas of different molecule self-orientation.

Poly-thymine oligonucleotides have been anchored on such a surface to form a nano-biosensing device capable to react selectively with a specific target molecule, a poly-adenine oligonucleotide. AFM images of high density (∼3 × 10¹² mol/cm²) single strand and double strand covered samples show toroidal shaped structures formed by the self-assembly of the oligonucleotides on the silicon surface.