Molybdenum disulfide field-effect transistor biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) gene

Background Biosensors are an emerging field in biomedical diagnostics. In the field of biosensors, field-effect transistor (FET)-based biosensors are widely used in clinical, environmental, and food analysis fields because of their high sensitivity, specificity, and real-time detection. Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) is a gene closely related to various diseases, which is considered to have a predictive role in disease diagnosis and qualitative treatment. Methods In this study, an all-solid-state, ultrasensitive FET biosensor based on monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was designed and constructed. We synthesized a series of MMP9-targeted probes and obtained the optimal hybridization conditions (including optimal hybridization temperature, hybridization concentration, and hybridization time) for the MoS2 FET biosensors. Results The data show that this MoS2 FET biosensor detects the MMP9 gene at a minimum of 3.86 pM with promising selectivity, specificity, and reproducibility. Conclusion The MoS2 FET biosensor detects the MMP9 gene at a minimum of 3.86 pM with promising selectivity, specificity, and reproducibility. Our work not only provides a potential strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of MMP9-related diseases, but also is helpful for the design of nanodevices, the development of portable diagnostic devices, and the implementation of personalized medicine.