Oligonucleotide–functionalised poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-coated microelectrodes which show selective electrochemical response to hybridisation

Multilayer and Surface Immobilization of EDOT-Decorated Nanocapsules

To assess the feasibility of utilizing reagent-loaded, porous polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) for chemical and biochemical sensor design, the surfaces of the NCs were decorated with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) moieties. The pores in the capsule wall allow unhindered bidirectional diffusion of molecules smaller than the programmed pore sizes, while larger molecules are either entrapped inside or blocked from entering the interior of the nanocapsules. Here, we investigate two electrochemical deposition methods to covalently attach acrylate-based porous nanocapsules with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene moieties on the nanocapsule surface, i.e., EDOT-decorated NCs to the surface of an existing PEDOT film: (1) galvanostatic or bilayer deposition with supporting EDOT in the deposition solution and (2) potentiostatic deposition without supporting EDOT in the deposition solution. The distribution of the covalently attached NCs in the PEDOT films was studied by variable angle FTIR-ATR and XPS depth profiling. The galvanostatic deposition of EDOT-decorated NCs over an existing PEDOT (tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate) [PEDOT(TPFPhB)] film resulted in a bilayer structure, with an interface between the NC-free and NC-loaded layers, that could be traced with variable angle FTIR-ATR measurements. In contrast, the FTIR-ATR and XPS analyses of the films deposited potentiostatically from a solution without EDOT and containing only the EDOT-decorated NCs showed small amounts of NCs in the entire cross section of the films.

Sensing Conductive Hydrogels for Rapid Detection of Cytokines in Blood

Conducting polymer hydrogel is fabricated atop gold or ITO electrodes and is functionalized with monoclonal antibodies. Binding of interferon-γ molecules causes redox properties of conductive hydrogel to change in a concentration-dependent fashion without the need for washing or sample handling steps. This conductive hydrogel remains functional in a fouling media such as whole blood.

Polythiophenes and polythiophene-based composites in amperometric sensing

This overview of polythiophene-based materials provides a critical examination of meaningful examples of applications of similar electrode materials in electroanalysis. The advantages arising from the use of polythiophene derivatives in such an applicative context is discussed by considering the organic conductive material as such, and as one of the components of hybrid materials. The rationale at the basis of the combination of two or even more individual components into a hybrid material is discussed with reference to the active electrode processes and the consequent possible improvements of the electroanalytical performance. In this respect, study cases are presented considering different analytes chosen among those that are most frequently reported within the classes of organics and inorganics. The use of a polythiophene matrix to stably fix biological elements at the electrode surface for the development of catalytic biosensors and genosensors is also discussed. Finally, a few possible lines along which the next research in the field could be fruitfully pursued are outlined. Furthermore, the work still to be done to exploit the possibilities offered by novel products of organic synthesis, even along paths already traced in other fields of electrochemistry, is discussed.

Trinity DNA detection platform by ultrasmooth and functionalized PEDOT biointerfaces

An oligonucleotide-grafted poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) thin film is developed for three DNA biosensor detection methods, including fluorescence, quartz crystal microbalance, and electrochemical methods. By electrocopolymerization of hydroxyl-functionalized EDOT and carboxylic-functionalized EDOT in microemulsion solutions, ultrasmooth films with a controlled surface density of carboxylic groups are created. The probe oligonucleotides are immobilized on PEDOT thin films by using a N-hydroxysuccinimide and 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride coupling method. By monitoring the DNA hybridization efficiency on thin films with different oligonucleotide densities, the optimized density for DNA hybridization is obtained. The feasibility and limitation of using this platform for electrochemical detection are also discussed.

Detection of DNA by using bio-conducting polymer-Nile blue composite electrode; Nile blue as an indicator

The amplified electrochemical sensing of DNA was accomplished by electrodeposited PEDOT on the electrode surface and incorporation of Nile blue (NB) as redox active intercalator into DNA. Herein, above modified electrode called as PEDOT/DNA/NB composite electrode. PEDOT/DNA/NB composite electrode exhibited well defined redox peak at -0.35 V (Ag/AgCl) corresponding to NB. The composite electrode surface coverage (Gamma) and DeltaEp were compared with PEDOT/NB and DNA/NB modified electrode. Atomic Force microscopy (AFM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to characterize the PEDOT/DNA/NB composite electrode. The composite electrode was exhibited as surface confined redox process in neutral pH. The composite electrode was found to be pH dependent. The composite electrode exhibited catalytic property towards reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The composite electrode was utilized to amperometric study and its response towards H(2)O(2) detection was less than 6 s and the detection limit was 0.1 microM. Moreover, we tested PEDOT/DNA/NB composite electrode to electrocatalytic reduction of cytochrome c (Cyt c).

Label-free detection of DNA hybridization based on poly(indole-5-carboxylic acid) conducting polymer

An electrochemical method to directly detect DNA hybridization was developed on the basis of a new conductive polymer, which was polymerized on the glassy carbon electrode with an indole monomer having a carboxyl group, indole-5-carboxylic acid (ICA). Hybridization with complementary, non-complementary and one-base mismatched DNA targets was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Results showed a significant decrease in the current upon addition of complementary target. The change in peak current that was used as an index of sensor response was found to be linear with target concentration in the range of 3.34x10(-9) to 1.06x10(-8) M. The detection limit was 1.0 nM.