ABSTRACT
The ability to detect biologically relevant targets is critical in fundamental research as well as for the development of clinical diagnostics. Nucleic acid platforms, in particular, represent an especially robust and flexible class of sensors, capable of detecting small molecule, protein, and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/RNA targets. To evaluate cyclooctyne-labeled-DNA films for biosensing applications based on DNA charge transport (CT), we carried out experiments using noncovalently bound, intercalative probe molecules. As we have demonstrated, combining a two-electrode detection system with electrocatalytic amplification provides a true “signal-on” readout strategy that eliminates background signals almost entirely, while additionally allowing resolution of closely spaced DNA arrays. Pursuing an alternative strategy, our laboratory has focused on the intrinsic electronic properties of the DNA double helix as the signaling element for electrochemical DNA detection. DNA CT chemistry offers a means to achieve high sensitivity and specificity using DNA electrochemistry.
