Detection of point mutations in DNA by PNA-based quartz-crystal biosensor

Currently there is an extensive search for biosensors for detecting genetic defects by hybridisation to immobilised oligonucleotides. A concept able to detect a single mismatch in a 15mer single-strand target of the p53 tumor suppresser gene is presented (a mutation found in many types of cancer cells). In this method, the unique hybridisation properties of the DNA mimic peptide nucleic acid (PNA) are combined with electronically detected mass and shear dissipation at the surface of a quartz crystal. Cysteine-labeled PNA efficiently immobilises on crystal-gold surface at 20 degrees C. At 60 degrees C, addition of complementary DNA results in a signal response corresponding to hybridisation between DNA and the PNA-covered surface, whereas addition of DNA differing in only one of the 15 bases gives no response at all.