An electrochemical DNA biosensor based on the screen printed carbon paste electrode (SPCPE) with an immobilized layer of calf thymus double-stranded DNA has been used for in vitro investigation of the interaction between genotoxic nitro derivatives of fluorene (namely 2-nitrofluorene and 2,7-dinitrofluorene) and DNA. Two types of DNA damage have been detected at the DNA/SPCPE biosensor: first, that caused by direct association of the nitrofluorenes, for which an intercalation association has been found using the known DNA intercalators [Cu(phen)(2)](2+) and [Co(phen)(3)](3+) as competing agents, and, second, that caused by short-lived radicals generated by electrochemical reduction of the nitro group (observable under specific conditions only).