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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

A Microfluidic-based Electrochemical Biochip for Label-free DNA Hybridization Analysis
Published on: September 10, 2014
Label-free THz sensing of genetic sequences: towards 'THz biochips'
Peter Haring Bolívar1, Michael Nagel, Frank Richter
1Institut für Halbleitertechnik, RWTH Aachen, 52056 Aachen, Germany. haring@iht.rwth-aachen.de
Abstract:
THz-wave-based approaches for the label-free characterization of genetic material are described. Time-resolved THz spectroscopic analysis of genetic sequences (polynucleotides) demonstrate a distinct complex refractive index in the THz frequency range as a function of the binding state of the analysed DNA sequences. By monitoring THz signals, one can thus infer the binding state of oligo- and polynucleotides, enabling the label-free determination of the genetic composition of target polynucleotides by sensing their binding to known probe molecules. Here we review integrated THz sensing array developments exhibiting high sensitivity and single-base mutation detection capabilities. Recent achievements using functionalized biosensing arrays of high-Q resonators are illustrated.
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