Target analyte detection using asymmetrical self-assembled monolayers

1 . A method of modifying a metallic surface comprising contacting the metallic surface with an asymmetric monolayer forming species having the formula:

wherein

A is an attachment linker moiety;

MFS is a monlayer forming species; and

AG is an electroconduit forming species.

2 . A method according to claim 1 further comprising contacting said metallic surface with a biological species having the formula:

A-MFS-capture binding ligand

wherein

A is an attachment linker; and

MFS is a monolayer forming species.

3 . A method according to claim 2 wherein said capture binding ligand is a nucleic acid.

4 . A method according to claim 2 wherein said capture binding ligand is a n protein.

5 . A method according to claim 1 wherein A is sulfur.

6 . A method according to claim 1 wherein said metallic surface is gold.

7 . A method according to claim 1 wherein said MFS is an insulator.

8 . A method according to claim 7 wherein said insulator comprises an alkyl group from about 7 to 20 carbons.

9 . A method according to claim 8 wherein said alkyl group comprises a heteroalkyl.

10 . A method according to claim 8 wherein said alkyl group comprises a substituted alkyl.

11 . A method according to claim 1 wherein said AG comprises an alkyl group from about 1 to 6 carbons.

12 . A method according to claim 1 or 11 wherein said AG is branched, having the formula:

wherein

R 3 through R 5 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alcohol, amine, amido, nitro, ether, ester, ketone, imino, aldehyde, alkoxy, carbonyl, halogen, sulfur containing moiety and phosphorus containing moiety;

13 . A method according to claim 12 wherein said AG is attached to said attachment linker via a (CH 2 ) n group, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 4.

14 . A method according to claim 12 wherein said AG is attached directly to said attachment linker.