Recent advances in electrochemical DNA hybridization sensors

Abstract

Even with the advent of industry produced electrochemical DNA analysis chips, electrochemical DNA hybridization detection continues to be an intensive research focus area. The advantages of electrochemical detection continue to inspire efforts to improve selectivity and sensitivity. Here, we summarize the landscape of recent efforts in electrochemical DNA hybridization detection. We specifically focus on some main areas from where novel work continues to originate: redox active molecules designed for specific interaction with double stranded DNA, DNA mimics to eliminate background electrochemical signals, external nanoparticle or enzyme modifications for sensitivity enhancements, split and self-hybridizing single stranded DNA probe modifications, and novel catalytic oxidation techniques. Additionally, we touch on the use of DNA hybridization sensors to monitor alternative biochemical (non-DNA hybridization) processes.

Label‐Free Photoelectrochemical Detection of Double‐Stranded HIV DNA by Means of a Metallointercalator‐Functionalized Electrogenerated Polymer

“…Although electrochemical techniques provide sensitive ways to study and detect nucleic-acid hybridization, they often require a DNA labeling step or the addition of a redox probe for indirect detection. [5] We report here the proof of concept of the use of an electrode functionalized with a DNA-intercalating ruthenium(II) complex [11,12] for the detection of double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA). We synthesized Ru II complex [Ru(bpy-pyrrole) 2 (dppn)] 2 + (bpypyrrole = 4-methyl-4'-butylpyrrole-2,2'-bipyridine, dppn = benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) bearing electropolymerizable groups.…”

“…[2] Among sensing techniques, electrochemical DNA sensors [1,[3][4][5] provide a fast, easy and inexpensive method to electrochemically detect hybridization of complementary DNA. In this context, optobioelectronic systems are a promising alternative for developing novel biosensing devices.…”

Materiomics for Oral Disease Diagnostics and Personal Health Monitoring: Designer Biomaterials for the Next Generation Biomarkers

“…Attached to each sugar is one of the four types of bases, including the purines: adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidines: cytosine (C) and thymine (T). DNA is well suited for bio-sensing applications because of their specific and robust base-pairing interactions between complementary sequences (Hvastkovs and Buttry, 2010;Vanness et al, 1991). Exploiting DNA's ''code'' to bind to a particular molecule inevitably led to the field of aptamers (Iliuk et al, 2011;Xiao and Farokhzad, 2012).…”

A Touchscreen as a Biomolecule Detection Platform

“…The strategy relies on capacitance changes of electrodes patterned on a touch panel when they are placed in contact with DNA solutions, which exhibit capacitances that depend on their concentrations. [12][13][14] Because this projected capacitive touchscreen detects contact points of the capacitive materials with the electrode layer patterned on the touch panel, it can be activated by simply applying test samples to the touchscreen panel surface without the need for a human touching event. Furthermore, the projected capacitive touchscreen method should enable multiplexed detection because it simultaneously recognizes multiple touchdown events.…”