Numerical investigation of magnetic sensor for DNA hybridization detection using planar transformer

Abstract

This paper introduces a sensor for detection of DNA hybridization and investigates its performance by means of computer simulation. A planar transformer with spiral windings is proposed for hybridization detection. In order to detect the occurrence of hybridization, single strand target DNA's are tagged with magnetic beads. Target DNA's are then exposed to known single strand probe DNA's which are immobilized on the surface of a functionalized layer in the proximity of the sensor. The primary winding of the transformer is driven by an AC current source. The voltage at the secondary winding is used for detection. Once the hybridization is occurred, a layer of magnetic material is formed and the coupling between the windings is varied. These variations are reflected into the detecting output voltage. The magnitude of the output voltage is numerically calculated in terms of geometrical and physical parameters and the parameter values resulting in maximum response are derived.