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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in DNA Nanosensors – Addressing Sensitivity and Selectivity Challenges in Molecular Detection
Published on: February 9, 2024
Label free detection of nucleic acids by modulating nanochannel surfaces
Pete Crisalli1, Christopher McCallum, Sumita Pennathur
1Engineering Science Building, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA. sumita@engineering.ucsb.edu.
Abstract:
We develop surface-modified 100 nm silica nanofluidic channels that change in measured conductivity upon exposure to single- or double-stranded DNA. Through careful monitoring of both electromigrative and advective current in the channel, we can detect nanomolar concentrations of DNA. These results can be exploited for inexpensive, all-electronic DNA sensors.

