ABSTRACT
Sequence-specific DNA detection has been a topic of tremendous interest because of its application to the screening of genetic and infectious diseases, for ensuring our food safety, for criminal investigations, and field testing of microbial and viral pathogens. For example, the detection of genetic mutations and pathogens creates the possibility of identifying genetic or pathogenic diseases before any symptoms appear. Wide-scale DNA testing requires the development of fast, easy-to-use, inexpensive, tiny analytical devices. Traditional methods for studying DNA hybridization are too slow and labor intensive. Biosensors offer a promising alternative for faster, cheaper, and simpler hybridization assays.
