Abstract: Electronic sensors configured to detect single molecules and DNA methods of using and manufacturing same are disclosed. A sensor may include source and drain electrodes spaced apart by a sensor gap; a gate electrode, wherein the source, drain and gate electrodes cooperate to form an electrode circuit; and a bridge molecule bridging across the sensor gap, connecting source and drain electrodes; and a probe coupled to the bridge molecule, wherein interaction of the probe with a nucleic acid is detectable by monitoring a parameter of the electrode circuit. In various examples, the nucleic acid comprises DNA or RNA.

Abstract: In various embodiments, synthetic bridge molecules are disclosed, usable in molecular electronics sensors. In various aspects, bridge molecules comprise fused ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon structures in the shape of a long and narrow ribbon, with end groups on opposite short ends for selective binding to metal electrodes, one or more substituents near the midpoint of a long edge for binding to a probe molecule, and one or more additional substituent groups for solubility or other effects. In various embodiments, the bridge molecules herein are conducting, and provide a closed circuit in a sensor when forming a bridge between gapped electrodes.