Label-Free Multiplex DNA Detection Utilizing Projected Capacitive Touchscreen

A novel strategy to achieve label-free multiplex DNA detection system based on the projected capacitive touchscreen is developed. Touchscreen panel is first fabricated by patterning the ITO (indium-tin-oxide) electrode array on the glass wafer, and the electrodes are modified with the respective capture probe DNA sequences complementary to hemagglutinin1 (H1), neuraminidase1 (N1), and matrix1 (M1) DNA to demonstrate the molecular diagnosis of H1N1 influenza virus as a model pathogen. DNA sample is applied to the electrodes to allow hybridization of target DNA with the corresponding complementary capture probe. As a result, the hybridization event significantly enhanced the capacitance on the electrode, which can be very conveniently detected by the projected capacitive touchscreen. Based on this design principle, the authors have successfully detected target regions of H1N1 influenza virus in a label-free multiplexed manner. This touchscreen-based detecting system would greatly benefit the point-of-care testing (POCT) in various diagnostic applications.