Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for detecting target DNA in a biological sample using capture probes and electrically-assisted hybridization. The reaction cell is formed with an attachment surface of aluminum oxide for better thermal and physical properties, and the aluminum oxide surface is coated with anti-DIG antibody to provide a convenient attachment layer for the capture probes allowing their correct orientation, while the capture probes are formed with a DIG-label so that they attach to the surface of the cell through an anti-DIG/DIG linkage.

Abstract: There are disclosed apparatus and methods for the field-assisted acceleration of biological processes involving charged entities, including in particular the detection of target DNA in a biological sample. A reaction cell is provided with a dielectric surface, and a field is generated by inducing charge-separation in the dielectric material by applying a potential to an electrode in contact with the dielectric material.