Abstract: A sensor for use in the detection of a molecular interaction comprises a field effect transistor (FET) having a core structure and an extended gate structure, the core structure and the extended gate structure being located on substantially separate regions of a substrate, the extended gate structure including an exposed metal sensor electrode on which probe molecules can be immobilized, wherein, in use, the sensor is operative to produce a change in an electrical characteristic of the FET in response to molecular interaction at the exposed surface of the metal sensor electrode. The sensor is particularly suitable for detecting biomolecular interactions such as the hybridization of DNA, when the sensor is prepared with suitable probe molecules immobilized on the exposed gate metal.