A novel electrochemical biosensor for ultrasensitive and specific detection of DNA based on molecular beacon mediated circular strand displacement and rolling circle amplification

Ultrasensitive electrochemical platform for the p53 gene via molecular beacon-mediated circular strand displacement and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated signal amplification strategy

As an important tumor suppressor gene, the p53 gene is considered to be a typical biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of severe cancer. Herein, an electrochemical biosensor was proposed for the ultrasensitive detection of the p53 gene based on molecular beacon-mediated circular strand displacement polymerization combined with terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated template-free DNA extension. Firstly, the p53 gene opened the hairpin structure of the molecular beacon, thereby exposing the binding sequence region of the primer DNA. The circular strand displacement polymerization occurred in the presence of the primer DNA and phi29 DNA polymerase, subsequently resulting in the circulation of the p53 gene. With the catalysis of the terminal deoxynucleotide transferase, the 3'-OH terminal sequence of the molecular beacon elongated to produce long single-stranded DNA under the template-free DNA extension. Methylene blue bound with such DNA strands generated a strong differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) signal with a peak potential of -0.28 V. Under the optimal detection conditions, the DPV signal of methylene blue showed good linear relationships with the logarithm value of the p53 gene in two concentration ranges of 0.05 fM to 3 pM and 5 fM to 100 fM, and the detection limit of the p53 gene was as low as 0.018 fM. This electrochemical biosensor possessed high recognition ability for the p53 gene in its analogues and was successfully applied for p53 gene analysis in human serum samples.

Novel Detection Method for Circulating EGFR Tumor DNA Using Gravitationally Condensed Gold Nanoparticles and Catalytic Walker DNA

The detection of circulating tumor DNA is a major challenge in liquid biopsies for cancer. Conventionally, quantitative polymerase chain reactions or next-generation sequencing are used to detect circulating tumor DNA; however, these techniques require significant expertise, and are expensive. Owing to the increasing demand for a simple diagnostic method and constant monitoring of cancer, a cost-effective detection technique that can be conducted by non-experts is required. The aim of this study was to detect the circulating tumor DNA containing the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion, which frequently occurs in lung cancer. By applying walker DNA to a catalytic hairpin assembly and using the differential dispersibility of gold nanoparticles, we detected EGFR exon 19 deletion mutant #2 DNA associated with lung cancer. Our sensing platform exhibited a limit of detection of 38.5 aM and a selectivity of 0.1% for EGFR exon 19 wild-type DNA. Moreover, we tested and compared EGFR exon 19 deletion mutants #1 and #3 to evaluate the effect of base pair mismatches on the performance of the said technique.

Synchronization of Hyper-Lorenz System Based on DNA Strand Displacement

Lorenz system is depicted by chemical reaction equations of an ideal formal chemical reaction network, and a series of reversible reactions are added into chemical reaction network in order to construct a cluster of hyper-Lorenz system. DNA as a universal substrate for chemical dynamics can approximate arbitrary dynamical characteristics of ideal formal chemical reaction network through auxiliary DNA strands and displacement reactions. Based on Lyapunov's stableness theory, a novel synchronization strategy is proposed. A 6-dimensional hyper-Lorenz system is taken as examples for simulation and shows that DNA strands displacement reactions can implement the synchronization of ideal formal chemical reaction networks. Numerical simulations indicate that synchronization based on DNA strand displacement is robust to the detection of DNA strand concentration, control of reaction rate, and noise.

Recent advances in the exonuclease III-assisted target signal amplification strategy for nucleic acid detection

The detection of nucleic acids has become significantly important in molecular diagnostics, gene therapy, mutation analysis, forensic investigations and biomedical development, and so on. In recent years, exonuclease III (Exo III) as an enzyme in the 3'-5' exonuclease family has evolved as a frequently used technique for signal amplification of low level DNA target detection. Different from the traditional target amplification strategies, the Exo III-assisted amplification strategy has been used for target DNA detection through directly amplifying the amounts of signal reagents. The Exo III-assisted amplification strategy has its unique advantages and characters, because the character of non-specific recognition of Exo III can overcome the limitation of a target-to-probe ratio of 1 : 1 in the traditional nucleic acid hybridization assay and acquire higher sensitivity. In this review, we selectively discuss the recent advances in the Exo III-assisted amplification strategy, including the amplification strategy integrated with nanomaterials, biosensors, hairpin probes and other nucleic acid detection methods. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of each strategy and methods to overcome the limitations.

Rolling Circle Amplification as an Efficient Analytical Tool for Rapid Detection of Contaminants in Aqueous Environments

Environmental contaminants are a global concern, and an effective strategy for remediation is to develop a rapid, on-site, and affordable monitoring method. However, this remains challenging, especially with regard to the detection of various contaminants in complex water environments. The application of molecular methods has recently attracted increasing attention; for example, rolling circle amplification (RCA) is an isothermal enzymatic process in which a short nucleic acid primer is amplified to form a long single-stranded nucleic acid using a circular template and special nucleic acid polymerases. Furthermore, this approach can be further engineered into a device for point-of-need monitoring of environmental pollutants. In this paper, we describe the fundamental principles of RCA and the advantages and disadvantages of RCA assays. Then, we discuss the recently developed RCA-based tools for environmental analysis to determine various targets, including heavy metals, organic small molecules, nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, and even microorganisms in aqueous environments. Finally, we summarize the challenges and outline strategies for the advancement of this technique for application in contaminant monitoring.

DNA/RNA Electrochemical Biosensing Devices a Future Replacement of PCR Methods for a Fast Epidemic Containment

Pandemics require a fast and immediate response to contain potential infectious carriers. In the recent 2020 Covid-19 worldwide pandemic, authorities all around the world have failed to identify potential carriers and contain it on time. Hence, a rapid and very sensitive testing method is required. Current diagnostic tools, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR), have its pitfalls for quick pandemic containment such as the requirement for specialized professionals and instrumentation. Versatile electrochemical DNA/RNA sensors are a promising technological alternative for PCR based diagnosis. In an electrochemical DNA sensor, a nucleic acid hybridization event is converted into a quantifiable electrochemical signal. A critical challenge of electrochemical DNA sensors is sensitive detection of a low copy number of DNA/RNA in samples such as is the case for early onset of a disease. Signal amplification approaches are an important tool to overcome this sensitivity issue. In this review, the authors discuss the most recent signal amplification strategies employed in the electrochemical DNA/RNA diagnosis of pathogens.

SAM Composition and Electrode Roughness Affect Performance of a DNA Biosensor for Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the treatment of infectious disease worldwide. Point-of-care (PoC) assays which rapidly identify antibiotic resistance in a sample will allow for immediate targeted therapy which improves patient outcomes and helps maintain the effectiveness of current antibiotic stockpiles. Electrochemical assays offer many benefits, but translation from a benchtop measurement system to low-cost portable electrodes can be challenging. Using electrochemical and physical techniques, this study examines how different electrode surfaces and bio-recognition elements, i.e. the self-assembled monolayer (SAM), affect the performance of a biosensor measuring the hybridisation of a probe for antibiotic resistance to a target gene sequence in solution. We evaluate several commercially available electrodes which could be suitable for PoC testing with different SAM layers and show that electrode selection also plays an important role in overall biosensor performance.

A new electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive assay of a protein based on the dual-signaling electrochemical ratiometric method and DNA walker strategy

Herein, a new electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor for highly sensitive assay of thrombin has been developed based on the dual-signaling electrochemical ratiometric method and the DNA walker strategy, and shows a low detection limit of about 56 fM.

Diff-seq: A high throughput sequencing-based mismatch detection assay for DNA variant enrichment and discovery

Much of the within species genetic variation is in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), typically detected by whole genome sequencing (WGS) or microarray-based technologies. However, WGS produces mostly uninformative reads that perfectly match the reference, while microarrays require genome-specific reagents. We have developed Diff-seq, a sequencing-based mismatch detection assay for SNP discovery without the requirement for specialized nucleic-acid reagents. Diff-seq leverages the Surveyor endonuclease to cleave mismatched DNA molecules that are generated after cross-annealing of a complex pool of DNA fragments. Sequencing libraries enriched for Surveyor-cleaved molecules result in increased coverage at the variant sites. Diff-seq detected all mismatches present in an initial test substrate, with specific enrichment dependent on the identity and context of the variation. Application to viral sequences resulted in increased observation of variant alleles in a biologically relevant context. Diff-Seq has the potential to increase the sensitivity and efficiency of high-throughput sequencing in the detection of variation.

Voltammetric determination of attomolar levels of a sequence derived from the genom of hepatitis B virus by using molecular beacon mediated circular strand displacement and rolling circle amplification

The authors describe an electrochemical method for the determination of the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotide with a sequence derived from the genom of hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is making use of circular strand displacement (CSD) and rolling circle amplification (RCA) strategies mediated by a molecular beacon (MB). This ssDNA hybridizes with the loop portion of the MB immobilized on the surface of a gold electrode, while primer DNA also hybridizes with the rest of partial DNA sequences of MB. This triggers the MB-mediated CSD. The RCA is then initiated to produce a long DNA strand with multiple tandem-repeat sequences, and this results in a significant increase of the differential pulse voltammetric response of the electrochemical probe Methylene Blue at a rather low working potential of -0.24 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Under optimal experimental conditions, the assay displays an ultrahigh sensitivity (with a 2.6 aM detection limit) and excellent selectivity. Response is linear in the 10 to 700 aM DNA concentration range. Graphical abstract Schematic of a voltammetric method for the determination of attomolar levels of target DNA. It is based on molecular beacon mediated circular strand displacement and rolling circle amplification strategies. Under optimal experimental conditions, the assay displays an ultrahigh sensitivity with a 2.6 aM detection limit and excellent selectivity.

Long-stem shaped multifunctional molecular beacon for highly sensitive nucleic acids determination via intramolecular and intermolecular interactions based strand displacement amplification

LS-MMB based intra-SDA and inter-SDA for amplified gene signaling.

Binding induced strand displacement amplification for homogeneous protein assay

An ultrasensitive and homogenous strategy for protein assay was established based upon binding-induced strand displacement amplification (BI-SDA). Binding-Induced DNA strand-displacement occurred between Apt-T•signal DNA and Apt-C, and release of signal DNA upon addition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF BB). The released signal DNA further hybridized with multifunctional hairpin DNA probe and induced the strand-displacement amplification in the presence of Klenow Fragment (exo^-) and dNTPs. The BI-SDA product contain G-quaruplex DNA, which could be recognized and reported by the fluorescence of fluorochrome N-methyl porphyrin propionic acid IX (NMM). The fluorescence intensity was proportional to the concentration of PDGF-BB over the range of 1.0×10^-11mol/L -2.0×10^-9mol/L, with a detection limit of 3.6pmol/L. This proposed strategy showed good selectivity and practicality, and might be applied to other proteins in the future.

Rolling circle amplification as isothermal gene amplification in molecular diagnostics

Rolling circle amplification (RCA) developed in the mid-1990s has been widely used as an efficient isothermal DNA amplification process for molecular diagnosis. This enzymatic process amplifies target DNA sequences with high fidelity and specificity by using the strand displacing DNA polymerases. The product of RCA is long single-stranded DNA that contains tandem repeat of target sequence. Isothermal reaction amplification condition of RCA has an advantage over conventional polymerase chain reaction, because no temperature cycling devices are needed for RCA. Thus, RCA is suitable tool for point-of-care detection of target nucleic acids as well as facile detection of target genes. Combined with various detection methods, RCA could amplify and detect femtomolar scale of target nucleic acids with a specificity of one or two base discrimination. Herein, RCA technology is reviewed with an emphasis on molecular diagnosis of microRNAs, infectious pathogens, and point mutations.

A Biofunctional Molecular Beacon for Detecting Single Base Mutations in Cancer Cells

The development of a convenient and sensitive biosensing system to detect specific DNA sequences is an important issue in the field of genetic disease therapy. As a classic DNA detection technique, molecular beacon (MB) is often used in the biosensing system. However, it has intrinsic drawbacks, including high assay cost, complicated chemical modification, and operational complexity. In this study, we developed a simple and cost-effective label-free multifunctional MB (LMMB) by integrating elements of polymerization primer, template, target recognition, and G-quadruplex into one entity to detect target DNA. The core technique was accomplished by introducing a G-hairpin that features fragments of both G-quadruplex and target DNA recognition in the G-hairpin stem. Hybridization between LMMB and target DNA triggered conformational change between the G-hairpin and the common C-hairpin, resulting in significant SYBR-green signal amplification. The hybridization continues to the isothermal circular strand-displacement polymerization and accumulation of the double-stranded fragments, causing the uninterrupted extension of the LMMB without a need of chemical modification and other assistant DNA sequences. The novel and programmable LMMB could detect target DNA with sensitivity at 250 pmol/l with a linear range from 2 to 100 nmol/l and the relative standard deviation of 7.98%. The LMMB could sense a single base mutation from the normal DNA, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons of the mutant-type cell line from the wild-type one. The total time required for preparation and assaying was only 25 minutes. Apparently, the LMMB shows great potential for detecting DNA and its mutations in biosamples, and therefore it opens up a new prospect for genetic disease therapy.

Sequence selective naked-eye detection of DNA harnessing extension of oligonucleotide-modified nucleotides

DNA polymerases can efficiently and sequence selectively incorporate oligonucleotide (ODN)-modified nucleotides and the incorporated oligonucleotide strand can be employed as primer in rolling circle amplification (RCA). The effective amplification of the DNA primer by Φ29 DNA polymerase allows the sequence-selective hybridisation of the amplified strand with a G-quadruplex DNA sequence that has horse radish peroxidase-like activity. Based on these findings we develop a system that allows DNA detection with single-base resolution by naked eye.

Ultrasensitive sensing platform for platelet-derived growth factor BB detection based on layered molybdenum selenide-graphene composites and Exonuclease III assisted signal amplification

A highly sensitive and ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor for platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) detection is fabricated based on layered molybdenum selenide-graphene (MoSe2-Gr) composites and Exonuclease III (Exo III)-aided signal amplification. MoSe2-Gr is prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and used as a promising sensing platform. Exo III has a specifical exo-deoxyribonuclease activity for duplex DNAs in the direction from 3' to 5' terminus, however its activity is limited on the duplex DNAs with more than 4 mismatched terminal bases at 3' ends. Herein, aptamer and complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences are designed with four thymine bases on 3' ends. In the presence of target protein, the aptamer associates with it and facilitates the formation of duplex DNA between cDNA and signal DNA. The duplex DNA then is digested by Exo III and releases cDNA, which hybridizes with signal DNA to perform a new cleavage process. Nevertheless, in the absence of target protein, the aptamer hybridizes with cDNA will inhibit the Exo III-assisted nucleotides cleavage. The signal DNA then hybridizes with capture DNA on the electrode. Subsequently, horse radish peroxidase is fixed on electrode by avidin-biotin reaction and then catalyzes hydrogen peroxide and hydroquinone to produce electrochemical response. Therefore, a bridge can be established between the concentration of target protein and the degree of the attenuation of the obtained signal, providing a quantitative measure of target protein with a broad detection range of 0.0001-1 nM and a detection limit of 20 fM.

A novel label-free and enzyme-free electrochemical aptasensor based on DNA in situ metallization

In this work, we presented a novel label-free and enzyme-free electrochemical aptasensor based on DNA in situ silver metallization as effective electrochemical label. Molecular beacon 2 (MB2, Peptide nucleic acid) was first immobilized on the gold electrode (AuE) through Au-S bond. In the presence of thrombin, the thrombin binding aptamer (MB1) preferred to form thrombin/aptamer complex in lieu of aptamer-DNA duplex, resulting in the 8-17 DNAzyme liberating from the caged structure and hybridization with the MB2, the MB2 will replace and free the target thrombin when it hybridizes with MB1. The released target thrombin can participate in the next hybridization process with MB1. Eventually, each target thrombin went through many cycles, resulting in numerous MB1 confining close to the AuE, which leaded to the surface became negatively charged and allowed the absorption of silver ions on the DNA skeleton. After chemical reduction by hydroquinone, the formed silver nanoparticles could be afforded a signal trace for electrochemical stripping analysis of target thrombin. Through introducing a hybridization chain reaction to increase the DNA length, the current signal was further amplified, achieved the detection of thrombin with a linear range from 1.0×10(-16) to 1.0×10(-11) M and a detection limit of 37 aM. In addition, the signal amplification is realized without using any enzymes or sophisticated label process, and the sensing strategy is completely non-labeled. The success in the present biosensor served as a significant step towards the development of monitoring ultratrace thrombin in clinical detection.

A new mode for highly sensitive and specific detection of DNA based on exonuclease III-assisted target recycling amplification and mismatched catalytic hairpin assembly

Schematic representation of the designed strategy for target DNA detection.

A cascade signal amplification strategy for ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of BRCA1 gene

Schematic illustration of a colorimetric biosensor for breast cancer1 gene detection based on DNAzyme assistant DNA recycling and rolling circle amplification.

Parameters affecting carbon nanofiber electrodes for measurement of cathodic current in electrochemical sensors: an investigation using artificial neural network

Carbon nanofibers electrode.

Visual detection of nucleic acids based on Mie scattering and the magnetophoretic effect

Visual detection of nucleic acid biomarkers by magnetically attracted microparticles that change solution turbidity via Mia scattering.

Labeling-free fluorescent detection of DNA hybridization through FRET from pyrene excimer to DNA intercalator SYBR green I

A novel labeling-free fluorescence complex probe has been developed for DNA hybridization detection based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism from pyrene excimer of pyrene-functionalized poly [2-(N, N-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PFP) to SYBR Green I (SG, a specific intercalator of double-stranded DNA) in a cost-effective, rapid and simple manner. The complex probe consists of the positively charged PFP, SG and negatively charged single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Upon adding a complementary strand to the complex probe solution, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) was formed, followed by the intercalation of SG into dsDNA. The pyrene excimer emission was overlapped with the absorption of SG very well and the electrostatic interactions between PFP and dsDNA kept them in close proximity, enabling efficient FRET from pyrene excimer to SG. The fluorescence of SG in the duplex DNA resulting from FRET can be successfully applied to detect DNA hybridization with high sensitivity for a very low detection limit of 10nM and excellent selectivity for detection of single base pair mismatch.