Immobilization Mechanisms of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) to Hafnium Dioxide (HfO₂) Surfaces for Biosensing Applications

Abstract

Immobilization of biomolecular probes to the sensing substrate is a critical step for biosensor fabrication. In this work we investigated the phosphate-dependent, oriented immobilization of DNA to hafnium dioxide surfaces for biosensing applications. Phosphate-dependent immobilization was confirmed on a wide range of hafnium oxide surfaces; however, a second interaction mode was observed on monoclinic hafnium dioxide. On the basis of previous materials studies on these films, DNA immobilization studies, and density functional theory (DFT) modeling, we propose that this secondary interaction is between the exposed nucleobases of single stranded DNA and the surface. The lattice spacing of monoclinic hafnium dioxide matches the base-to-base pitch of DNA. Monoclinic hafnium dioxide is advantageous for nanoelectronic applications, yet because of this secondary DNA immobilization mechanism, it could impede DNA hybridization or cause nonspecific surface intereactions. Nonetheless, DNA immobilization on polycrystalline and amorphous hafnium dioxide is predominately mediated by the terminal phosphate in an oriented manner which is desirable for biosensing applications.

Slow DNA Transport through Nanopores in Hafnium Oxide Membranes

“…Though further investigation is required, two non-exclusive mechanisms can explain this behavior: (1) the pore we have used is too small to allow unhindered passage of ssDNA nucleobases, resulting in steric-dominated stick–slip motion through the pore, 66 and (2) chemical interactions between ssDNA and the HfO 2 surface are responsible for this observed friction. 61 …”

Synthesis and characterization of hafnium oxide nanoparticles for bio-safety

“…25 HfO 2 surfaces are used for phosphate dependent, oriented immobilization of DNA for biosensing applications. 26 HfO 2 MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) capacitor based dosimeter has been fabricated on single crystalline n-type silicon for the detection of ionizing radiation. 27 Crystalline HfO 2 NPs were employed to improve the radiation dose within tumor tissues.…”

Comprehensive Screen of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for DNA Adsorption, Fluorescence Quenching, and Anion Discrimination

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] While DNA has been interfaced with metal and carbon-based nanomaterials, [6][7][8][9] limited work was carried out on metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs). [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] MONPs represent a very important class of material due to their unique electronic, optical, magnetic and catalytic properties. DNAfunctionalized MONPs might be useful as a sensor platform for anion detection.…”