Design of a Low-Cost DNA Biochip Using Copper Electrode

The need for affordable and disposable DNA biochips that can perform in situ analysis is increasing daily. Amperometric detection (AD) is one of the most popular detection techniques used in DNA sensing. An important component of these biochips is the working electrode that needs to be carefully designed to achieve good sensitivity. At present, most AD biochips use platinum (Pt) or gold (Au), since these materials are not only sensitive but also produce good signal-to-noise ratios. Hence, the cost of fabrication is a major factor since Pt or Au requires expensive machining technologies. As a tradeoff between cost and sensitivity, in this study, copper is used as an alternative material in designing the biochips. DNA sensing is performed using newly designed biochips, and the performance is compared with those from a Pt electrode. Results from this study suggest the feasibility of designing not only low-cost but truly disposable biochips for DNA sensing.