Oxidation kinetics of guanine in DNA molecules adsorbed onto indium tin oxide electrodes

Adsorption of Guanine on Oxygen-Deficient TiO2 Surface: A Combined MD-DFTB/DFT Strategy

Metal oxides (MOs) are key materials in many fields, including technological, industrial, and biomedical applications. In most of these implementations, surface reactivity and reducibility properties are critical considerations. In their nanosized form, MOs exhibit enhanced reactivity that is connected to toxicity. Besides the fact that the biological molecule and the surface of the corresponding material interact chemically, little is known about the toxicological mechanisms involved on the atomic scale. The goal of this study is to investigate the role of TiO2 surfaces in interaction with one genetic base, namely guanine. Using a combination of the quasi-electronic density functional-tight binding molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations, we explored the adsorption modes of guanine with a stoichiometric and oxygen-deficient anatase TiO2 (101) surface. With such an approach, we have characterized new adsorption modes not previously found, and we have highlighted the relevance of defective surfaces in the adsorption of genetic basis, as a model for explaining possible toxicology mechanisms induced by the adsorption process.

A Synergistic Coreactant for Single-Cell Electrochemiluminescence Imaging: Guanine-Rich ssDNA-Loaded High-Index Faceted Gold Nanoflowers

Developing an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) coreactant to minimize the biotoxicity and to maximize the enhancement factor is critical to single-cell ECL microscopy. Here, we reported a guanine-rich single-stranded DNA (G-ssDNA)-loaded high-index faceted gold nanoflower (Hi-AuNF) as a synergistic coreactant of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ for single-cell ECL imaging. Because of the excellent catalytic performance and huge specific surface area, Hi-AuNF serves as not only an ECL enhancer but also a carrier for G-ssDNA. Guanine in G-ssDNA specifically reacts with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ through a so-called "catalytic route" and thus significantly enhances the ECL signal of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. To endow targeting ability to the synergistic coreactant, an aptamer of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is incorporated into the G-ssDNA to form G-ssDNA-Apt for the recognition of human breast adenocarcinoma cells, which overexpress CEA on the cytomembrane. Accordingly, the ECL imaging of CEA on the cytomembrane was realized by using the highly selective Hi-AuNF@G-ssDNA-Apt as the probe as well as the luminophore of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. Compared with the common coreactant tripropylamine with high toxicity and volatility, the Hi-AuNF@G-ssDNA-Apt is considered as a high-performance and biocompatible coreactant, providing exciting opportunities in single-cell imaging and detection.

Single Molecule Catch and Release: Potential-Dependent Plasmid DNA Adsorption along Chemically Graded Electrode Surfaces

Single molecule detection methods were employed to study the potential dependent adsorption and desorption of dye labeled plasmid DNA along chemical gradients prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. Gradients were formed over silica-base-layer-coated ITO surfaces by exposing them in a directional fashion to aminopropyltrimethoxysilane from the vapor phase. Sessile drop water contact angle measurements, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to verify that a gradient was formed and to characterize its wettability, thickness, and composition as a function of position. The gradient-coated ITO electrode served as both the working electrode and a window into the electrochemical cell used to manipulate DNA adsorption. For single molecule studies, the electrochemical cell was filled with buffer solution containing YOYO-1-labeled plasmid DNA. Fluorescence videos acquired along the gradients depicted clear position-, potential-, and pH-dependent variations in DNA adsorption and desorption. The results demonstrate that DNA adsorption was largely independent of applied potential and irreversible at high amine coverage (i.e., multilayers), under pH ∼ 6 buffer. DNA adsorption became more reversible as the amine coverage decreased and the solution pH increased. Potential dependent control over DNA adsorption and desorption was best achieved at monolayer-to-submonolayer aminosilane coverage under pH ∼ 8 buffer. The knowledge gained in these studies will aid in the development of electrochemical methods for the capture and release of DNA and other polyelectrolytes at electrode surfaces.

Functionalized solid electrodes for electrochemical biosensing of purine nucleobases and their analogues: a review

Interest in electrochemical analysis of purine nucleobases and few other important purine derivatives has been growing rapidly. Over the period of the past decade, the design of electrochemical biosensors has been focused on achieving high sensitivity and efficiency. The range of existing electrochemical methods with carbon electrode displays the highest rate in the development of biosensors. Moreover, modification of electrode surfaces based on nanomaterials is frequently used due to their extraordinary conductivity and surface to volume ratio. Different strategies for modifying electrode surfaces facilitate electron transport between the electrode surface and biomolecules, including DNA, oligonucleotides and their components. This review aims to summarize recent developments in the electrochemical analysis of purine derivatives, as well as discuss different applications.

Crystal plane effects of nano-CeO2 on its antioxidant activity

Due to the conflicting reports on the antioxidant activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles, much work has been done to explore the factors influencing the antioxidant activity of nano-CeO₂.

Approaches to label-free flexible DNA biosensors using low-temperature solution-processed InZnO thin-film transistors

Low-temperature solution-processed In-Zn-O (IZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) exhibiting a favorable microenvironment for electron transfer by adsorbed artificial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) have extraordinary potential for emerging flexible biosensor applications. Superb sensing ability to differentiate even 0.5 μL of 50 nM DNA target solution was achieved through using IZO TFTs fabricated at 280 °C. Our IZO TFT had a turn-on voltage (V(on)) of -0.8 V, on/off ratio of 6.94 × 10(5), and on-current (I(on)) value of 2.32 × 10(-6)A in pristine condition. A dry-wet method was applied to immobilize two dimensional double crossover tile based DNA nanostructures on the IZO surface, after which we observed a negative shift of the transfer curve accompanied by a significant increase in the Ion and degradation of the Von and on/off ratio. As the concentration of DNA target solution increased, variances in these parameters became increasingly apparent. The sensing mechanism based on the current evolution was attributed to the oxidation of DNA, in which the guanine nucleobase plays a key role. The sensing behavior obtained from flexible biosensors on a polymeric substrate fabricated under the identical conditions was exactly analogous. These results compare favorably with the conventional field-effect transistor based DNA sensors by demonstrating remarkable sensitivity and feasibility of flexible devices that arose from a different sensing mechanism and a low-temperature process, respectively.

Versatile electrochemiluminescent biosensor for protein-nucleic acid interaction based on the unique quenching effect of deoxyguanosine-5'-phosphate on electrochemiluminescence of CdTe/ZnS quantum dots

In this paper, the efficient quenching effect of deoxyguanosine-5'-phosphate (dGMP) on anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of the CdTe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) is reported for the first time. This ECL quenching was found to be specific for free dGMP and not observed for dGMP residues in different DNA structures. The unique dGMP-based QDs ECL quenching was then utilized to develop a versatile biosensing strategy to determine various protein-DNA interactions with the assistance of exonuclease, Exo I, to hydrolyze DNA and liberate dGMP. Taking single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) and thrombin as examples, two novel detection modes have been developed based on dGMP-QDs ECL strategy. The first method used hairpin probes and SSB-promoted probe cleavage by Exo I for facile signal-off detection of SSB, with a wide linear range of 1-200 nM and a low detection limit of 0.1 nM. The second method exploited aptamer-thrombin binding to protect probes against Exo I degradation for sensitive signal-on detection of thrombin, giving a linear response over a range of 1-150 nM and a detection limit as low as 0.1 nM. Both methods were homogeneous and label-free without QDs or DNA modification. Therefore, this dGMP-specific QDs ECL quenching presents a promising detection mechanism suitable for probing various protein-nucleic acid interactions.

DNA sensors using a ferrocene-oligonucleotide conjugate

Using the redox-active DNA conjugate (ferrocene-modified oligonucleotide 12 mer) as a probe, the novel electrochemical gene sensor, which is sensitive, convenient, and not relying on radio isotope, has been developed. Oligonucleotide (16 mer) complementary to the target (19 mer) was immobilized onto gold electrode through the specific chemisorption of successive phosphorothioates which were introduced into 5'-end of the oligonucleotide. The sequence of the conjugate was designed to be also complementary to another site of the target. Therefore, the conjugate and the oligonucleotide anchoring on the electrode formed a sandwich-type ternary complex with a target DNA to give electric currents based on the ferrocene oxidation. By using this system, we have distinguished the mutant that has one base substitution from the fully complementary target.

Highly sensitive sensor for picomolar detection of insulin at physiological pH, using GC electrode modified with guanine and electrodeposited nickel oxide nanoparticles

The electrochemical behavior of insulin at glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with nickel oxide nanoparticles and guanine was investigated. Cyclic voltammetry technique has been used for electrodeposition of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiOx) and immobilization of guanine on the surface GC electrode. In comparison to glassy carbon electrode modified with nickel oxide nanoparticles and bare GC electrode modified with adsorbed guanine, the guanine/nickel oxide nanoparticles/modified GC electrode exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the oxidation of insulin in physiological pH solutions at reduced overpotential. The modified electrode was applied for insulin detection using cyclic voltammetry or hydrodynamic amperometry techniques. It was found that the calibration curve was linear up to 4muM with a detection limit of 22pM and sensitivity of 100.9pA/pM under the optimized condition for hydrodynamic amperometry using a rotating disk modified electrode. In comparison to other electrochemical insulin sensors, this sensor shows many advantages such as simple preparation method without using any special electron transfer mediator or specific reagent, high sensitivity, excellent catalytic activity at physiological pH values, short response time, long-term stability and remarkable antifouling property toward insulin and its oxidation product. Additionally, it is promising for the monitoring of insulin in chromatographic effluents.

Sensitive electrochemical immunoassay for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene based on functionalized silica nanoparticle labels

We present a poly(guanine)-functionalized silica nanoparticle (NP) label-based electrochemical immunoassay for sensitively detecting 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). This immunoassay takes advantage of magnetic bead-based platform for competitive displacement immunoreactions and separation, and use electroactive nanoparticles as labels for signal amplification. For this assay, anti-TNT-coated magnetic beads interacted with TNT analog-conjugated poly(guanine)-silica NPs and formed analog-anti-TNT immunocomplexes on magnetic beads. The immunocomplexes coated magnetic beads were exposed to TNT samples, which resulted in displacing the analog conjugated poly(guanine) silica NPs into solution by TNT. In contrast, there are no guanine residues releasing into the solution in the absence of TNT. The reaction solution was then separated from the magnetic beads and transferred to the electrode surface for electrochemical measurements of guanine oxidation with Ru(bpy)3(2+) as mediator. The sensitivity of this TNT assay was greatly enhanced through dual signal amplifications: (1) a large amount of guanine residues on silica nanoparticles are introduced into the test solution by displacement immunoreactions and (2) a Ru(bpy)3(2+)-induced guanine catalytic oxidation further enhances the electrochemical signal. Some experimental parameters for the nanoparticle label-based electrochemical immunoassay were studied and the performance of this assay was evaluated. The method is found to be very sensitive and the detection limit of this assay is approximately 0.1 ng mL(-1) TNT. The electrochemical immunoassay based on the poly[guanine]-functionalized silica NP label offers a new approach for sensitive detection of explosives.

Amperometric biosensor based on coentrapment of enzyme and mediator by gold nanoparticles on indium–tin oxide electrode

A disposable pseudo-mediatorless amperometric biosensor has been fabricated for the determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In the current study, an indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode was modified with thiol functional group by (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. The stable nano-Au-SH monolayer (AuS) was then prepared through covalent linking of gold nanoparticles and thiol groups on the surface of the ITO. The horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) were finally coentrapped by the colloidal gold nanoparticles. The immobilized TMB was used as an electron transfer mediator that displayed a surface-controlled electrode process at a scan rate of less than 50mV/s. The biosensor was characterized by photometric and electrochemical measurements. The results showed that the prepared AuS monolayer not only could steadily immobilize HRP but also could efficiently retain HRP bioactivity. Parameters affecting the performance of the biosensor, including the concentrations of the immobilized TMB and HRP, the pH value, and the reaction temperature, were optimized. Under the optimized experimental conditions, H(2)O(2) could be determined in a linear calibration range from 0.005 to 1.5mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.998 (n=14) and a detection limit of 1microM at a signal/noise ratio of 3. The proposed method provides a new alternative to develop low-cost biosensors by using ITO film electrodes from industrial mass production.

Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) electrochemiluminescence sensor based on carbon nanotube/organically modified silicate films

In this paper, a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was constructed to determine herring sperm (HS) double-stranded (ds) DNA. Tetramethoxysilane and dimethyldimethoxysilane were selected as co-precursors to form an organically modified silicate (ORMOSIL) film for the immobilization of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) wrapped by poly(p-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), and then Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)3(2+)) was successfully immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode via ion-association. PSS was employed to increase the conductivity of the ORMOSIL film and disperse the cut MWNTs, which were cut and shortened in a mixture of concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids, in the film. It was found that MWNTs could adsorb Ru(bpy)3(2+) and acted as conducting pathways to connect Ru(bpy)3(2+) sites to the electrode. MWNTs also played a key role as materials for the mechanical and thermal properties. The ECL performance of this modified electrode was evaluated in a flow injection analysis (FIA) system, and the detection limit (S/N=3) for HS ds-DNA was 2.0x10(-7) g mL(-1) with a linear range from 1.34x10(-6) to 6.67x10(-4) gm L(-1) (R2=0.9876). In addition, the ECL sensor presented excellent characteristics in terms of stability, reproducibility and application life.

Flow Injection Amperometric Detection of 2‘-Deoxyguanosine at a Ruthenium Oxide Hexacyanoferrate Modified Electrode

A ruthenium oxide hexacyanoferrate (RuOHCF) modified electrode was developed. Hydrodynamic voltammetry was employed to demonstrate the remarkable electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of 2'-deoxyguanosine. The RuOHCF modified electrode was used as amperometric detector for 2'-deoxyguanosine determination in a FIA apparatus. The influence of various experimental conditions was explored for optimum analytical performance, and at these experimental conditions, the method exhibited a linear response range to 2'-deoxyguanosine extending from 3.8 to 252 micromol L(-1) with detection limit of 94 nmol L(-1). Applications in DNA samples were examined, and the results for determination of 2'-deoxyguanosine were in good agreement with those obtained by HPLC analysis. Studies on the kinetics of the in vitro consumption of 2'-deoxyguanosine by acetaldehyde were also performed.

Sensitive immunoassay of a biomarker tumor necrosis factor-alpha based on poly(guanine)-functionalized silica nanoparticle label

A novel electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) based on poly(guanine)-functionalized silica nanoparticles (NPs) label is presented. The detection of mouse TNF-alpha via immunological reaction is based on a dual signal amplification: (1) a large amount of guanine residues introduced on the electrode surface through sandwich immunoreaction and poly(guanine)-functionalized silica NP label; (2) Ru(bpy)3(2+)-induced catalytic oxidation of guanine, which results in great enhancement of anodic current. The synthesized silica NP conjugates were characterized with atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. These experiments confirmed that poly(guanine) and avidin were immobilized on the surface of silica NPs. The performance of the electrochemical immunosensor was evaluated and some experiment parameters (e.g., concentration of Ru(bpy)3(2+), incubation time of TNF-alpha, etc.) were optimized. The detection limit for TNF-alpha is found to be 5.0 x 10(-11) g mL(-1) (2.0 pM), which corresponds to 60 amol of TNF-alpha in 30 microL of sample. This immunosensor based on the poly(guanine)-functionalized silica NP label offers great promise for rapid, simple, cost-effective analysis of biological samples.

Selective detection of a catecholamine against electroactive interferents using an interdigitated heteroarray electrode consisting of a metal oxide electrode and a metal band electrode

We developed an interdigitated array electrode (IDAE) consisting of a metal oxide electrode and a metal band heteroelectrode and employed it for the selective detection of catecholamines. We used an indium-tin oxide (ITO) film as the oxidation electrode of the IDAE because the ITO was able to suppress response currents from L-ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA), which are major electroactive interferents in biological fluids. However, the ITO film also suppresses the reduction of quinones including oxidized catecholamines. We developed a simple technique for fabricating our hetero IDAE, which also preserves the electrochemical properties of the ITO. When we compared hetero ITO-gold, homo ITO-ITO, and carbon-carbon IDAEs, we found that the hetero IDAE provided both high sensitivity and selectivity for DA detection. We achieved high selectivities for DA against AA and UA. The ratios of the response currents of AA and UA to DA were calculated as 6 and 5%, respectively.

Electrochemiluminescent arrays for cytochrome P450-activated genotoxicity screening. DNA damage from benzo[a]pyrene metabolites

Arrays suitable for genotoxicity screening are reported that generate metabolites from cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) in thin-film spots. Array spots containing DNA, various human cyt P450s, and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) generating metallopolymer [Ru(bpy)2PVP10]2+ were exposed to H2O2 to activate the enzymes. ECL from all spots was visualized simultaneously using a CCD camera. Using benzo[a]pyrene as a test substrate, enzyme activity for producing DNA damage in the arrays was found in the order CYP1B1 > CYP1A2 > CYP1A1 > CYP2E1 > myoglobin, the same as the order of their metabolic activity. Thus, these arrays estimate the relative propensity of different enzymes to produce genotoxic metabolites. This is the first demonstration of ECL arrays for high-throughput in vitro genotoxicity screening.

Electrochemical Immunosensor for Carcinoembryonic Antigen Based on Antigen Immobilization in Gold Nanoparticles Modified Chitosan Membrane

A disposable electrochemical immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was proposed based on the antigen immobilized in a colloidal gold nanoparticles modified chitosan membrane on the surface of an indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode. The different membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope and electrochemical methods. Based on a competitive immunoassay format, the immobilized antigen of the immunosensor was incubated with a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeled antibody and sample CEA antigen, and the formed immunoconjugate in the immunosensor was detected by an o-phenylenediamine-H(2)O(2)-HRP electrochemical system. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the electrocatalytic current decreased linearly with the competitive mechanism. CEA could be determined in the linear range from 2.0 to 20 ng/ml with a detection limit of 1.0 ng/ml. The prepared CEA immunosensor is not only economic due to the low-cost ITO electrode obtained from industrial mass production, but is also capable with good stability and reproducibility for batch fabrication.

Disposable biosensor based on enzyme immobilized on Au–chitosan-modified indium tin oxide electrode with flow injection amperometric analysis

Indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode is used to fabricate a novel disposable biosensor combined with flow injection analysis for the rapid determination of H2O2. The biosensor is prepared by entrapping horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme in colloidal gold nanoparticle-modified chitosan membrane (Au-chitosan) to modify the ITO electrode. The biosensor is characterized by scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and electrochemical methods. Parameters affecting the performance of the biosensor, including concentrations of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and pH of substrate solution, were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, H2O2 could be determined in the linear calibration range from 0.01 to 0.5 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.997 (n=8). The amperometric response of the biosensor did not show an obvious decrease after the substrates were injected continuously 34 times into the flow cell. The prepared biosensor not only is economic and disposable, due to the low-cost ITO film electrode obtained from industrial mass production, but also is capable with good detection precision, acceptable accuracy, and storage stability for the fabrication in batch.