Discrimination of single-point mutations in unamplified genomic DNA via Cas9 immobilized on a graphene field-effect transistor

Liquid-gated graphene field-effect transistors anchoring guide RNA-Cas9 complexes can be used to discriminate between single-point mutations in human genomic samples. Simple and fast methods for the detection of target genes with single-nucleotide specificity could open up genetic research and diagnostics beyond laboratory settings. We recently reported a biosensor for the electronic detection of unamplified target genes using liquid-gated graphene field-effect transistors employing an RNA-guided catalytically deactivated CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) anchored to a graphene monolayer. Here, using unamplified genomic samples from patients and by measuring multiple types of electrical response, we show that the biosensors can discriminate within one hour between wild-type and homozygous mutant alleles differing by a single nucleotide. We also show that biosensors using a guide RNA-Cas9 orthologue complex targeting genes within the protospacer-adjacent motif discriminated between homozygous and heterozygous DNA samples from patients with sickle cell disease, and that the biosensors can also be used to rapidly screen for guide RNA-Cas9 complexes that maximize gene-targeting efficiency.

Automated summary

Liquid-gated graphene field-effect transistors can distinguish single-point mutations in human genomic samples, opening up new possibilities for genetic research and diagnostics.