Binding probe circuits for molecular sensors

Abstract

In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and a binding probe molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the binding probe. In various examples, the binding probe is an antibody, the Fab domain of an antibody, a protein, a nucleic acid oligomer hybridization probe, or an aptamer. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the binding probe to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as targets interact with the binding probe. In various embodiments, the circuit provides a means to measure the presence, absence, or concentration of an analyte in a solution.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A circuit comprising:
 a first electrode;   a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode;   a binding probe electrically connected to both the first and second electrodes to form a conductive pathway between the first and second electrodes; and   at least one arm molecule having first and second ends, the first end bonded to the binding probe and the second end bonded to the first electrode,   wherein the at least one arm molecule acts as an electrical wire between the binding probe and the first electrode.