| Sumario: | The article presents a study of the sensitive, label-free DNA diagnostics based on near-field microwave imaging (NFMI). Label-free diagnostics remain attractive as they simplify sample preparation, decrease assay costs, and eliminate potential artifacts from label instability or perturbation of assay thermodynamics. NFMI functions by sensing changes in electrostatic coupling between a 'probe' and the sample. The remarkable sensitivity recommends NFMI for applications that require detection of trace surface species. The principal advantage of NFMI over other label-free detection methods is outstanding sensitivity, thus removing a central obstacle to label-free diagnostics.
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