DNA-PEG-DNA triblock macromolecules for reagentless DNA detection

J Am Chem Soc. 2004 Sep 8;126(35):10814-5. doi: 10.1021/ja046634d.

Abstract

The sandwich assay is the most common design for electrochemical DNA sensors. This assay consists of three individual DNA components: an immobilized capture strand, a target strand, and a probe strand containing a redox-active reporter group. We report a simplified DNA assay where two strands of ssDNA, the capture and probe strands, are linked together via a flexible poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacer forming an ABA triblock macromolecule. We have developed an electrochemical assay where the detection signal arises as a consequence of a large structural change induced upon hybridization with target DNA. In this system, the DNA-PEG-DNA macromolecule folds or wraps around the target DNA, bringing the ferrocene probe in close proximity to the electrode, affording an electrochemical response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / analysis*
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Oligonucleotides / chemical synthesis
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Gold
  • DNA