Ultrasensitive Label-Free DNA Detection Based on Solution-Gated Graphene Transistors Functionalized with Carbon Quantum Dots

Anal Chem. 2022 Feb 22;94(7):3320-3327. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05309. Epub 2022 Feb 11.

Abstract

Developing highly sensitive, reliable, cost-effective label-free DNA biosensors is challenging with traditional fluorescence, electrochemical, and other techniques. Most conventional methods require labeling fluorescence, enzymes, or other complex modification. Herein, we fabricate carbon quantum dot (CQD)-functionalized solution-gated graphene transistors for highly sensitive label-free DNA detection. The CQDs are immobilized on the surface of the gate electrode through mercaptoacetic acid with the thiol group. A single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe is immobilized on CQDs by strong π-π interactions. The ssDNA probe can hybridize with the ssDNA target and form double-stranded DNA, which led to a shift of Dirac voltage and the channel current response. The limit of detection can reach 1 aM which is 2-5 orders of magnitude lower than those of other methods reported previously. The sensor also exhibits a good linear range from 1 aM to 0.1 nM and has good specificity. It can effectively distinguish one-base mismatched target DNA. The response time is about 326 s for the 1 aM target DNA molecules. This work provides good perspectives on the applications in biosensors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques* / methods
  • Carbon / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Graphite* / chemistry
  • Limit of Detection
  • Quantum Dots* / chemistry

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Carbon
  • Graphite
  • DNA