Graphene Based Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for Detection of False Smut of Rice (Ustilaginoidea virens)

Abstract

False smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is an important rice fungal disease that significantly decreases its production. In the recent past, conventional methods have been developed for its detection that is time-consuming and need high-cost equipments. The research and development in nanotechnology have made it possible to assemble efficient recognition interfaces in biosensors. In this study, we present a simple, sensitive, and selective oxidized graphene-based geno-biosensor for the detection of rice false smut. The biosensor has been developed using a probe DNA as a biological recognition element on paper electrodes, and oxidized graphene to enhance the limit of detection and sensitivity of the sensor. Probe single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and target ssDNA hybridization on the interface surface has been quantitatively measured with the electrochemical analysis tools namely, cyclic voltammetry, and linear sweep voltammetry. To confirm the selectivity of the device, probe hybridization with non-complementary ssDNA target has been studied. In our study, the developed sensor was able to detect up to 10 fM of target ssDNA. The paper electrodes were employed to produce an effective and cost-effective platform for the immobilization of the DNA and can be extended to design low-cost biosensors for the detection of the other plant pathogens.

Recent advances in biosensors for screening plant pathogens

“…Potato virus X (PVX) 54 Rugose 62 The graphene-based electrochemical biosensor was able to detect up to 10 fM of target ssDNA. Along with sensitivity, selectivity is another important criterion for evaluating an electrochemical biosensor.…”

“…Rana et al used a graphene-coated paper electrode conjugated with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe for sensing Ustilaginoidea virens ( U. virens )—a rice fungal pathogen causing false smut. 62 The graphene-based electrochemical biosensor was able to detect up to 10 fM of target ssDNA. Along with sensitivity, selectivity is another important criterion for evaluating an electrochemical biosensor.…”

Nanotechnology in Food and Plant Science: Challenges and Future Prospects

“…To detect false smut, a study developed a graphene-based geno-biosensor on paper electrodes as a biological recognition element used as probe DNA (cost-effective), and to enhance detection, oxidized graphene was used (up to 10 fM of target ssDNA) to determine the sensitivity of the sensor. In the presence of a pathogen, probe single-strand DNA hybridized with pathogen target ssDNA was analyzed using linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry [166]. A multiwalled carbon nanotube-based zinc nanocomposite was used to detect the Chili leaf curl beta satellite (ChLCB).…”

Modern analytical and bioanalytical technologies and concepts for smart and precision farming

“…A sensitive biosensor for detecting Ustilaginoidea virens ( U. virens ), the cause of false smut in rice, was reported by Rana et al (2021). 57 The biosensor was constructed by immobilizing single-stranded DNA on oxidized graphene nanoparticles deposited on a paper electrode. A decrease in current caused by hybridizing the DNA probe with the target DNA was measured.…”