Research progress of single molecule sensors based on DNA platform

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is recognized as a fundamental molecule and a programmable nanomaterial.
• DNA's self-assembly properties enable its use in advanced nanotechnology.
• Single-molecule detection techniques integrated with DNA nanotechnology allow precise probing of molecular properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the working principles of electrical and optical detection strategies for DNA-based single-molecule biosensing.
• To explore system construction approaches and evaluate application performance.
• To summarize the evolution of DNA-based single-molecule biosensing platforms.

Main Methods:

• Electrical sensing: Single-molecule junctions (SMJs), field-effect transistors (FETs), and nanopore technologies for label-free detection via electron transport, field-effect modulation, or ionic current.
• Optical sensing: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), fluorescence, and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) for ultrasensitive detection via optical signal changes.
• DNA as recognition element: Leveraging DNA's specificity, programmability, and signal stability in optical platforms.

Main Results:

• Electrical sensors enable label-free detection of single molecules.
• Optical sensors provide ultrasensitive biomolecular recognition.
• DNA-based recognition elements enhance specificity, programmability, and signal stability in biosensing platforms.

Conclusions:

• Integrated multimodal analysis offers a robust framework for developing sensitive and selective single-molecule sensing platforms.
• Despite challenges in stability and repeatability, DNA nanotechnology is pivotal in advancing biosensing.
• Future directions involve overcoming limitations for reliable performance in complex environments.