A novel voltammetric sensor based on a self-assembled composite formed by native DNA and electropolymerized N-phenyl-3-(phenylimino)-3H-phenothiazin-7-amine has been developed and applied for sensitive determination of doxorubicin, an anthracycline drug applied for cancer therapy. For this purpose, a monomeric phenothiazine derivative has been deposited on the glassy carbon electrode from the 0.4 M H2SO4-acetone mixture (1:1 v/v) by multiple potential cycling. The DNA aliquot was either on the electrode modified with electropolymerized film or added to the reaction medium prior to electropolymerization. The DNA entrapment and its influence on the redox behavior of the underlying layer were studied by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The DNA-doxorubicin interactions affected the charge distribution in the surface layer and, hence, altered the redox equilibrium of the polyphenothiazine coating. The voltametric signal was successfully applied for the determination of doxorubicin in the concentration range from 10 pM to 0.2 mM (limit of detection 5 pM). The DNA sensor was tested on spiked artificial plasma samples and two commercial medications (recovery of 90-95%). After further testing on real clinical samples, the electrochemical DNA sensor developed can find application in monitoring drug release and screening new antitumor drugs able to intercalate DNA.
Keywords: DNA intercalation; DNA sensor; electropolymerization; phenothiazine electropolymerization; self-assembling.