Nano Au/TiO2 hollow microsphere membranes for the improved sensitivity of detecting specific DNA sequences related to transgenes in transgenic plants

Gold nanoparticles (nano Au)/titanium dioxide (TiO₂) hollow microsphere membranes were prepared on the carbon paste electrode (CPE) for enhancing the sensitivity of DNA hybridization detection. The immobilization of nano Au and TiO₂ microsphere was investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The hybridization events were monitored with EIS using [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− as indicator. The sequence-specific DNA of the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV35S) gene was detected with this DNA electrochemical sensor. The dynamic detection range was from 1.0×10⁻¹² to 1.0×10⁻⁸ mol/L DNA and a detection limit of 2.3×10⁻¹³ mol/L could be obtained. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the terminator of nopaline synthase (NOS) gene from the real sample of a kind of transgenic soybean was also satisfactorily detected. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 20635020 and 20375020), Doctoral Foundation of the Ministry of Education of China (Grant No. 20060426001) and Natural Science Foundation of Qingdao City (Grant No. 04-2-JZP-8)     

Label-Free Detection of DNA Hybridization Based on MnO2 Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nano-MnO₂/chitosan composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (MnO₂/CHIT/GCE) was fabricated and a DNA probe was immobilized on the electrode surface. The immobilization and hybridization events of DNA were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS was applied to the label-free detection of the target DNA. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gene fragment was successfully detected by this DNA electrochemical sensor. The dynamic detection range was from 2.0 × 10^?11 to 2.0 × 10^?6 mol/L, with a detection limit of 1.0 × 10^?12 mol/L.     

Electrochemical DNA Biosensor Based on Graphene and TiO2 Nanorods Composite Film for the Detection of Transgenic Soybean Gene Sequence of MON89788

Based on graphene (GR), TiO₂ nanorods, and chitosan (CTS) nanocomposite modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) as substrate electrode, a new electrochemical DNA biosensor was effectively fabricated for the detection of the transgenic soybean sequence of MON89788. By using methylene blue (MB) as hybridization indicator for monitoring the hybridization with different ssDNA sequences, the differential pulse voltammetric response of MB on DNA modified electrodes were recorded and compared. Due to the synergistic effects of TiO₂ nanorods and GR on the electrode surface, the electrochemical responses of MB were greatly increased. Under optimal conditions the differential pulse voltammetric response of the target ssDNA sequence could be detected in the range from 1.0×10^?12 to 1.0×10^?6 mol/L with a detection limit of 7.21×10^?13 mol/L (3σ). This electrochemical DNA biosensor was further applied to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product of transgenic soybeans with satisfactory results.     

Fabrication of a Sensitive Electrochemical Biosensor for Detection of DNA Hybridization Based on Gold Nanoparticles/CuO Nanospindles Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

In this work, a sensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor for the detection of sequence‐specific target DNA was reported. Firstly, CuO nanospindles (CuO NS) were immobilized on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Subsequently, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were introduced to the surface of CuO NS by the electrochemical deposition mode. Probe DNA with SH (HS‐DNA) at the 5′‐phosphate end was covalently immobilized on the surface of the Au NPs through Au? S bond. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to elucidate the morphology of the assembled film, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique (EIS) was used to investigate the DNA sensor assembly process. Hybridization detection of DNA was performed with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and the methylene blue (MB) was hybridization indicator. Under the optimal conditions, the decline of reduction peak current of MB (ΔI) was linear with the logarithm of the concentration of complementary DNA from 1.0×10^?13 to 1.0×10^?6 mol·L^?1 with a detection limit of 3.5×10^?14 mol·L^?1 (S/N=3). In addition, this DNA biosensor has good selectivity, and even can distinguish single‐mismatched target DNA.     

Sensitively Electrochemical Sensing for Sequence‐Specific Detection of Phosphinothricin Acetyltransferase Gene: Layer‐by‐Layer Films of Poly‐L‐Lysine and Au‐Carbon Nanotube Hybrid

An electrochemical DNA sensing film was constructed based on the multilayers comprising of poly‐L ‐lysine (pLys) and Au‐carbon nanotube (Au‐CNT) hybrid. A precursor film of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was firstly self‐assembled on the Au electrode surface. pLys and Au‐CNT hybrid layer‐by‐layer assembly films were fabricated by alternately immersing the MPA‐modified electrode into the pLys solution and Au‐CNT hybrid solution. Cyclic voltammetry was used to monitor the consecutive growth of the multilayer films by utilizing [Fe(CN)₆]^3?/4? and [Co(phen)₃]^3+/2+ as the redox indicators. The outer layer of the multilayer film was the positively charged pLys, on which the DNA probe was easily linked due to the strong electrostatic affinity. The hybridization detection of DNA was accomplished by using methylene blue (MB) as the indicator, which possesses different affinities to dsDNA and ssDNA. Differential pulse voltammetry was employed to record the signal response of MB and determine the amount of the target DNA sequence. The established biosensor has high sensitivity, a relatively wide linear range from 1.0×10^?10 mol/L to 1.0×10^?6 mol/L and the ability to discriminate the fully complementary target DNA from single or double base‐mismatched DNA. The sequence‐specific DNA related to phosphinothricin acetyltransferase gene from the transgenically modified plants was successfully detected.     

Direct Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis of Hemoglobin/ZnO‐Chitosan/nano‐Au Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

The highly efficient H₂O₂ biosensor was fabricated on the basis of the complex films of hemoglobin (Hb), nano ZnO, chitosan (CHIT) dispersed solution and nano Au immobilized on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Biocompatible ZnO‐CHIT composition provided a suitable microenvironment to keep Hb bioactivity (Michaelis‐Menten constant of 0.075 mmol L^?1). The presence of nano Au in matrix could effectively enhance electron transfer between Hb and electrode. The electrochemical behaviors and effects of solution pH values were carefully examined in this paper. The (ZnO‐CHIT)‐Au‐Hb/GCE demonstrated excellently electrocatalytical ability for H₂O₂. This biosensor had a fast response to H₂O₂ less than 4 s and excellent linear relationships were obtained in the concentration range from1.94×10^?7 to 1.73×10^?3 mol L^?1 with the detection limit of 9.7×10^?8 mol L^?1 (S/N=3) under the optimum conditions. Moreover, the stability and reproducibility of this biosensor were evaluated with satisfactory results.     

Amperometric Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Based on the Immobilization of Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) on the Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly Films of Gold Colloidal Nanoparticles and Toluidine Blue

The precursor film was first formed on the Au electrode surface based on the self‐assembly of L ‐cysteine and the adsorption of gold colloidal nanoparticles (nano‐Au). Layer‐by‐layer (LBL) assembly films of toluidine blue (TB) and nano‐Au were fabricated by alternately immersing the electrode with precursor film into the solution of toluidine blue and gold colloid. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were adopted to monitor the regular growth of {TB/Au} bilayer films. The successful assembly of {TB/Au}_n films brings a new strategy for electrochemical devices to construct layer‐by‐layer assembly films of nanomaterials and low molecular weight materials. In this article, {TB/Au}_n films were used as model films to fabricate a mediated H₂O₂ biosensor based on horseradish peroxidase, which responded rapidly to H₂O₂ in the linear range from 1.5×10^?7 mol/L to 8.6×10^?3 mol/L with a detection limit of 7.0×10^?8 mol/L. Morphologies of the final assembly films were characterized with scanning probe microscopy (SPM).     

Electrochemical DNA Biosensor Based on Partially Reduced Graphene Oxide Modified Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode for the Detection of Transgenic Soybean A2704‐12 Gene Sequence

In this work a partially reduced graphene oxide (p‐RGO) modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) was prepared as the platform to fabricate an electrochemical DNA sensor, which was used for the sensitive detection of target ssDNA sequence related to transgenic soybean A2704‐12 sequence. The CILE was fabricated by using 1‐butylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate as the binder and then p‐RGO was deposited on the surface of CILE by controlling the electroreduction conditions. NH₂ modified ssDNA probe sequences were immobilized on the electrode surface via covalent bonds between the unreduced oxygen groups on the p‐RGO surface and the amine group at the 5′‐end of ssDNA, which was denoted as ssDNA/p‐RGO/CILE and further used to hybridize with the target ssDNA sequence. Methylene blue (MB) was used as electrochemical indicator to monitor the DNA hybridization. The reduction peak current of MB after hybridization was proportional to the concentration of target A2704‐12 ssDNA sequences in the range from 1.0×10^?12 to 1.0×10^?6 mol/L with a detection limit of 2.9×10^?13 mol/L (3σ). The electrochemical DNA biosensor was further used for the detection of PCR products of transgenic soybean with satisfactory results.     

Application of graphene oxide nanosheets as probe oligonucleotide immobilization platform for DNA sensing

In this work, a simple and novel electrochemical biosensor based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) was developed for detection of DNA sequences. The morphology of prepared nanoplatform was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, infrared (FTIR) and UV/Vis absorption spectra. The fabrication processes of electrochemical biosensor were characterized with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in an aqueous solution. The optimization of experimental conditions such as immobilization of the probe BRCA1 and its hybridization with the complementary DNA was performed. Due to unique properties of graphene oxide nanosheets such as large surface area and high conductivity, a wide liner range of 1.0 × 10^?17–1.0 × 10^?9 M and detection limit of 3.3 × 10^?18 M were obtained for detection of BRCA1 5382 mutation by EIS technique. Under the optimum conditions, the proposed biosensor (ssDNA/GO/GCE) revealed suitable selectivity for discriminating the complementary sequences from non-complementary sequences, so it can be applicable for detection of breast cancer.     

Immobilization and hybridization of DNA based on magnesium ion modified 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid polymer and its application for label-free PAT gene fragment detection by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

A new approach for a simple electrochemical detection of PAT gene fragment is described. Poly(2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) (PDC) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was prepared by potential scan electropolymerization in an aqueous solution. Mg2 ions were incorporated by immer-sion of the modified electrode in 0.5 mol/L aqueous solution of MgCl2 to complete the preparation of a generic "activated" electrode ready for binding the probe DNA. The ssDNA was linked to the conduct-ing polymer by forming a bidentate complex between the carboxyl groups on the polymer and the phosphate groups of DNA via Mg2 . DNA immobilization and hybridization were characterized with dif-ferential pulse voltammetry (DPV) by using methylene blue (MB) as indicator and electrochemical im-pedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS was of higher sensitivity for DNA detection as compared with voltammetric methods in our strategy. The electron transfer resistance (Ret) of the electrode surface in EIS in [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- solution increased after the immobilization of the DNA probe on the Mg/PDC/GCE electrode. The hybridization of the DNA probe with complementary DNA (cDNA) made Ret increase further. The difference between the Ret at ssDNA/Mg/PDC/GCE and that at hybridization DNA modified electrode (dsDNA/Mg/PDC/GCE) was applied to determine the specific sequence related to the target PAT gene with the dynamic range comprised between 1.0 × 10-9 and 1.0 × 10_5 mol/L. A detection limit of 3.4 × 10-10 mol/L of oligonucleotides can be estimated.     

Gold Nanoparticles Modified Electrode for the Determination of an Antihypertensive Drug

The nature of binding between Terazosin (TR) and gold nanoparticles (Au‐Nps) is investigated using UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, SEM, and EIS. The results suggest that Au‐Nps are effective carriers for TR. An electrochemical sensor for TR is introduced using Au‐Nps electrodeposited on carbon paste electrode. The effect of parameters including pH and scan rate on the response was investigated. A linear range from 8.0×10^?9 to 5.4×10^?5 mol L^?1 with correlation coefficient of 0.9995 and detection limit of 1.2×10^?10 mol L^?1 was obtained. This sensor was used for determining TR spiked in urine, and excellent recovery results are achieved.     

In Vivo Determination of Tetrahydrobiop- terin and Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Rat Brain by Liquid Chromatography with a Nano Crystalline Mn-Doped Lead Dioxide Film Modified Electrode

The fabrication and application of a novel electrochemical detector (ED) with nano crystalline Mn-doped lead dioxide film chemically modified electrode (CME) for liquid chromatography (LC) were described. The Mn-doped PbO₂ film was characterized by scanning tunnel microscope. The electrochemical behaviors of tetrahydrobiopterin, monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites at the CME were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. It was found that the CME exhibited efficiently electrocatalytic effect on the current response of the seven analytes and the linear ranges of them were over three orders of magnitude with the detection limits being 5.0 × 10^?10 mol L^?1 for tetrahydrobiopterin, 2.5 × 10^?10 mol L^?1 for dopamine, 2.0 × 10^?10 mol L^?1 for norepinephrine, 5.0 × 10^?10 mol L^?1 for serotonin, 4.0 × 10^?10 mol L^?1 for 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 2.0 × 10^?9 mol L^?1 for homovanillic acid, 1.0 × 10^?9 mol L^?1 for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. For its stability, sensitivity, convenience in preparing and long-life of activity, the Mn-doped PbO₂ electrode is therefore suitable for determination of real samples. Coupled with microdialysis sampling, the application of this method for the analysis of tetrahydrobiopterin, monoamine neurotransmitters and their metablites in rat brain was satisfactory.     

Fabrication of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Imprinted Poly(ionic liquid)s via eATRP and its Application in Electrochemical Sensor

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) plays an important role in nearly all living cells. In this study, SOD imprinted poly(ionic liquid)s (SIPILs) were prepared on the surface of the bare Au electrode modified with nano‐palladium and nano‐gold (Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs). SIPILs was synthesized with 1‐vinyl‐3‐propyl imidazole sulfonate ionic liquids as functional monomers via electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) catalyzed by SOD. The Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs was also used as an electrochemical sensor to determine SOD by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimal conditions, the detection range of SOD was from 1.0×10^?8 to 1.0×10² mg L^?1 with a limit of detection of 8.90×10^?9 mg L^?1 (S/N=3). Compared with other methods, the sensor based on SIPILs had the broader linear range and lower detection limit.     

Low‐Background,Highly Sensitive DNA Biosensor by Using an Electrically Neutral Cobalt(II) Complex as the Redox Hybridization Indicator

An electrically neutral cobalt complex, [Co(GA)₂(phen)] (GA=glycollic acid, phen=1,10‐phenathroline), was synthesized and its interactions with double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) were studied by using electrochemical methods on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). We found that [Co(GA)₂(phen)] could intercalate into the DNA duplex through the planar phen ligand with a high binding constant of 6.2(±0.2)×10⁵ M ^?1. Surface studies showed that the cobalt complex could electrochemically accumulate within the modified dsDNA layer, rather than within the single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) layer. Based on this feature, the complex was applied as a redox‐active hybridization indicator to detect 18‐base oligonucleotides from the CaMV35S promoter gene. This biosensor presented a very low background signal during hybridization detection and could realize the detection over a wide kinetic range from 1.0×10^?14 M to 1.0×10^?8 M , with a low detection limit of 2.0 fM towards the target sequences. The hybridization selectivity experiments further revealed that the complementary sequence, the one‐base‐mismatched sequence, and the non‐complementary sequence could be well‐distinguished by the cobalt‐complex‐based biosensor.     

Fe3O4@SiO2‐PANI‐Au Nanocomposite Prepared for Electrochemical Determination of Quercetin in Food Samples and Biological Fluids

A new electrochemical sensor based on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐PANI‐Au nanocomposite was fabricated for modification of glassy carbon electrode (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐PANI‐Au GCE). The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐PANI‐Au nanocomposite was characterized by TEM, FESEM‐EDS‐Mapping, XRD, and TGA methods. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐PANI‐Au GC electrode exhibited an acceptable sensitivity, fast electrochemical response, and good selectivity for determination of quercetin. Under optimal conditions, the linear range for quercetin concentrations using this sensor was 1.0×10^?8 to 1.5×10^?5 mol L^?1, and the limit of detection was 3.8×10^?9 mol L^?1. The results illustrated that the offered sensor could be a possible alternative for the measurement of quercetin in food samples and biological fluids.     

Highly Ordered TiO2 Nanotubes for Electrochemical Sensing of Hair Dye Basic Brown 17

Self‐organized Ti/TiO₂ nanotubular array electrodes were prepared by electrochemical anodization and used to monitor the reduction of the hair dye basic brown 17 (BB17) at a potential of ?0.60 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Analytical curves were obtained from 1.0×10^?6 to 8.0×10^?5 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 1.3×10^?7 mol L^?1 by using the best experimental conditions, linear scan voltammetry at pH 6, scan rate=60 mV s^?1, and accumulation time=5 min. The detection system performance was not interfered by other hair dyes and successfully used to determine the dye in tap water samples.     

Preparation of a Novel COOH Ion Implantation Sensor and Its Application

A novel ion implantation sensor (DNA/COOH/ITO) based on DNA immobilization in COOH/ITO probe was manufactured for the first time. The surface morphologies of the electrodes were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field‐emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FSEM) and electrochemical methods. In a 0.5 mol/L PBS solution, a sensitive oxidation peak of DNA on the COOH/ITO electrode was obtained by voltammetry. The electrochemical behavior of DNA was studied. And the oxidative peak potential of DNA was +0.400 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Its peak current was proportional to the concentration of DNA over the range of 1.0×10^?8?1.0×10^?6 mol/L with a detection limit of 5.0×10^?9 mol/L (about 0.5 ng/mL). This sensor was applied to the direct detection of DNA samples.     

One-step construction of an electrode modified with electrodeposited Au/SiO2 nanoparticles, and its application to the determination of NADH and ethanol

A new electrode was developed by one-step potentiostatic electrodeposition (at ?2.0 V for 20 s) of Au/SiO₂ nanoparticles on a glassy carbon electrode. The resulting electrode (nano-Au/SiO₂/GCE) was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. The electrochemical behavior of dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) at the nano-Au/SiO₂/GCE were thoroughly investigated. Compared to the unmodified electrode, the overpotential decreased by about 300 mV, and the current response significantly increased. These changes indicated that the modified electrode showed excellent catalytic activity in the oxidation of NADH. A linear relationship was obtained in the NADH concentration range from 1.0?×?10^?6 to 1.0?×?10^?4 mol?L^?1. In addition, amperometric sensing of ethanol at the nano-Au/SiO₂/GCE in combination with alcohol dehydrogenase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide was successfully demonstrated. A wide linear response was also found for ethanol in the range from 5.0?×?10^?5 to 1.0?×?10^?3 mol?L^?1 and 1.0?×?10^?3 to 1.0?×?10^?2 mol?L^?1, respectively. The method was successfully applied to determine ethanol in beer and biological samples.     

A DNA electrochemical sensor prepared by electrodepositing zirconia on composite films of single-walled carbon nanotubes and poly(2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid), and its application to detection of the PAT gene fragment

Carboxyl group-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDC) were electropolymerized by cyclic voltammetry on a glassy-carbon electrode (GCE) surface to form composite films (SWNTs/PDC). Zirconia was then electrodeposited on the SWNTs/PDC/GCE from an aqueous electrolyte containing ZrOCl₂ and KCl by cycling the potential between −1.1 V and +0.7 V at a scan rate of 20 mV s⁻¹. DNA probes with a phosphate group at the 5′ end were easily immobilized on the zirconia thin films, because of the strong affinity between zirconia and phosphate groups. The sensors were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS was used for label-free detection of the target DNA by measuring the increase of the electron transfer resistance (R _et) of the electrode surface after the hybridization of the probe DNA with the target DNA. The PAT gene fragment and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the NOS gene from transgenically modified beans were satisfactorily detected by use of this DNA electrochemical sensor. The dynamic range of detection of the sensor for the PAT gene fragment was from 1.0 × 10⁻¹¹ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹ and the detection limit was 1.38 × 10⁻¹² mol L⁻¹.     

Self‐assembly of p‐Aminothiophenol on Gold Surface: Application for Impedimetric and Potentiometric Sensing of Cobalt (II) Ions – A Comparative Study

Cobalt, despite an essential biological element, imposes threat to humans when exposed to high concentration or even to low concentration for long term which demands the development of highly sensitive and selective analytical methods for its trace analysis. In the present work, self‐assembly of p‐aminothiophenol (p‐ATP) on gold surface (Au?ATP SAM) was carried out and for the first time, applied as a platform for impedimetric and potentiometric sensing of Co²⁺. Au?ATP SAM was characterized using electrochemical techniques: cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), in the presence of two redox probes: [Fe(CN)₆]^3?/4? and [Ru(NH₃)₆]^2+/3+ to evaluate associated passivating behaviour. Au?ATP SAM completely blocked [Fe(CN)₆]^3?/4? as compared to [Ru(NH₃)₆]^2+/3+ which may be attributed to inner‐sphere and outer‐sphere ET mechanisms, respectively. Au?ATP SAM was found to exhibit excellent sensitivity towards Co²⁺ in a wider concentration range from 1.0×10^?12 M to 1.0×10^?5 M (r²=0.963) at pH 5.5 with a detection limit of 6.0×10^?13 M and superior selectivity. Further, carbon paste electrode (CPE) was prepared by incorporating p‐ATP bound gold nanoparticles and explored for potentiometric sensing of Co²⁺ which exhibited Nernstian slope of 29.2±0.2 mV/dec in linear concentration range of 1.0×10^?6 M–1.0×10^?1 M (r²=0.971) with a detection limit of 8.0×10^?7 M. The proposed sensors were successfully applied for estimation of Co²⁺ content in water samples.