Electrochemical DNA biosensors developed for the monitoring of biointeractions with drugs: a review

The interaction of drugs with DNA is important for the discovery of novel drug molecules and for understanding the therapeutic effects of drugs as well as the monitoring of side effects. For this reason, many studies have been carried out to investigate the interactions of drugs with nucleic acids. In recent years, a large number of studies have been performed to electrochemically detect drug-DNA interactions. The fast, sensitive, and accurate results of electrochemical techniques have resulted in a leading role for their implementation in this field. By means of electrochemical techniques, it is possible not only to demonstrate drug-DNA interactions but also to quantitatively analyze drugs. In this context, electrochemical biosensors for drug-DNA interactions have been examined under different headings including anticancer, antiviral, antibiotic, and central nervous system drugs as well as DNA-targeted drugs. An overview of the studies related to electrochemical DNA biosensors developed for the detection of drug-DNA interactions that were reported in the last two decades in the literature is presented herein along with their applications and they are discussed together with their future perspectives.

Elucidation of DNA-Eltrombopag Binding: Electrochemical, Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Techniques

Eltrombopag is a powerful adjuvant anticancer drug used in treating MS (myelodysplastic syndrome) and AML (acute myeloid leukemia) diseases. In this study, the interaction mechanism between eltrombopag and DNA was studied by voltammetry, spectroscopic techniques, and viscosity measurements. We developed a DNA-based biosensor and nano-biosensor using reduced graphene oxide-modified glassy carbon electrode to detect DNA-eltrombopag binding. The reduction of desoxyguanosine (dGuo) and desoxyadenosine (dAdo) oxidation signals in the presence of the drug demonstrated that a strong interaction could be established between the eltrombopag and dsDNA. The eltrombopag-DNA interaction was further investigated by UV absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy to gain more quantitative insight on binding. Viscosity measurements were utilized to characterize the binding mode of the drug. To shed light on the noncovalent interactions and binding mechanism of eltrombopag molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD), simulations were performed. Through simultaneously carried out experimental and in silico studies, it was established that the eltrombopag binds onto the DNA via intercalation.

Electrochemical DNA sensors for drug determination

In this review, recent achievements in the development of the DNA biosensors developed for the drug determination have been presented with particular emphasis to the main principles of their assembling and signal measurement approaches. The design of the DNA sensors is considered with characterization of auxiliary components and their necessity for the biosensor operation. Carbon nanomaterials, metals and their complexes as well as electropolymerized polymers are briefly described in the assembly of DNA sensors. The performance of the DNA sensors is summarized within 2017-2022 for various drugs and factors influencing the sensitivity and selectivity of the response are discussed. Special attention is paid to the mechanism of the signal generation and possible drawbacks in the analysis of real samples.

Recent trends on electrochemical determination of antibiotic Ciprofloxacin in biological fluids, pharmaceutical formulations, environmental resources and foodstuffs: Direct and indirect approaches

In the last few decades, pharmaceuticals, credited with saving millions of lives, have emerged as a new class of environmental contaminants. These compounds can have both chronic and acute harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems and consequently on human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of extremely sensitive, portable, and low-cost devices to perform analysis. In the present review article, recent reports on the application of various voltammetric and photo-electrochemical techniques using different electrode materials for the determination of antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) are reported. This review provides an insight into direct and indirect electrochemical approaches as well as the photoelectrochemical methods used for the determination of CIPRO. Emphasis is put on the applications of unmodified and modified carbon-based electrodes considering the modifier, supporting electrolytes, analytical method, concentration range, limit of detection, and real matrices. Carbon-based electrodes are the most used materials attributed to their commercial availability, reduced cost, high chemical stability, and non-toxicity.

The first diagnostic test for specific detection of Mycobacterium simiae using an electrochemical label-free DNA nanobiosensor

Mycobacterium simiae has been reported to be the most prevalent species of Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in many countries. As both phenotypic and molecular detection of M. simiae and other NTMs have limitations, finding an accurate, fast, and low-cost diagnostic method is critical for the management of infections. Here, we report the development of a new type of label-free electrochemical biosensor using a gold electrode decorated with l-cysteine/PAMAM dendrimer for specific targeting of M. simiae ITS sequence. DNA hybridization was monitored by measuring changes in the free guanine electrical signal with changing ssDNA target concentrations by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for the optimization of variables affecting biosensor response. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor revealed a wide linear range from 10^-14 M to 10^-6 M and a detection limit of 1.40 fM. The fabricated biosensor showed an excellent selectivity to M. simiae in the presence of other similar pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, experimental results confirmed that this biosensor exhibited great precision and high reproducibility, hence provides a low-cost, label-free, and faster detection analysis, representing a novel strategy in detecting other NTMs.

A DNA Based Biosensor Amplified With ZIF-8/Ionic Liquid Composite for Determination of Mitoxantrone Anticancer Drug: An Experimental/Docking Investigation

An ultrasensitive DNA electrochemical biosensor based on the carbon paste electrode (CPE) amplified with ZIF-8 and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (BMIMS) was fabricated in this research. The DNA/BMIMS/ZIF-8/CPE was used for the selective determination of a mitoxantrone anticancer drug in aqueous solution, resulting in a good catalytic effect and a powerful ability for determining mitoxantrone. Also, the interaction of the mitoxantrone anticancer drug with guanine bases of ds-DNA was used as a powerful strategy in the suggested biosensor, which was confirmed with docking investigation. Docking study of mitoxantrone into the ds-DNA sequence showed the intercalative binding mode of mitoxantrone into the nitrogenous-based pairs of ds-DNA. The effective factors such as ds-DNA concentration, temperature, buffer types, and incubation time were also optimized for the fabricated mitoxantrone biosensor. The results showed that, under optimum conditions (T = 25°C; incubation time=12 min; pH= 4.8 acetate buffer solution and [DNA] = 50 mg/L), the DNA/BMIMS/ZIF-8/CPE could be used in mitoxantrone assay in a concentration ranging from 8.0 nM to 110 μM with a detection limit of 3.0 nM. In addition, recovery data between 99.18 and 102.08% were obtained for the determination of mitoxantrone in the injection samples using DNA/ZIF-8/BMIMF/CPE as powerful biosensors.

Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, molecular docking and ADMET study of a caprolactam-glycine cluster

Density functional theory calculations were performed with DFT method using both b3lyp/6-311++G(d,p) and wb97xd/6-311++G(d,p) levels of theory to predict the molecular geometry, to evaluate the molecular electrostatic potential and frontier molecular orbitals of synthesized a new compound: caprolactam-glysine cluster (CL-Gly). Molecular docking study of the CL-Gly was carried out to clarify the interaction and the probable binding modes, between the title compound and DNA. The antibacterial activities of CL-Gly cluster against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was determined. In silico ADMET study was also performed for predicting pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of the synthesized cluster which expressed good drug-like behavior and non-toxic nature. It was revealed that the compound has importance in drug discovery process.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Polypyrrole-Wrapped Carbon Nanotube Composite Films Coated on Diazonium-Modified Flexible ITO Sheets for the Electroanalysis of Heavy Metal Ions

Highly sensitive multicomponent materials designed for the recognition of hazardous compounds request control over interfacial chemistry. The latter is a key parameter in the construction of the sensing (macro) molecular architectures. In this work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were deposited on diazonium-modified, flexible indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes prior to the electropolymerization of pyrrole. This three-step process, including diazonium electroreduction, the deposition of CNTs and electropolymerization, provided adhesively-bonded, polypyrrole-wrapped CNT composite coatings on aminophenyl-modified flexible ITO sheets. The aminophenyl (AP) groups were attached to ITO by electroreduction of the in-situ generated aminobenzenediazonium compound in aqueous, acidic medium. For the first time, polypyrrole (PPy) was electrodeposited in the presence of both benzenesulfonic acid (dopant) and ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), which acts as a chelator. The flexible electrodes were characterized by XPS, Raman and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which provided strong supporting evidence for the wrapping of CNTs by the electrodeposited PPy. Indeed, the CNT average diameter increased from 18 ± 2.6 nm to 27 ± 4.8, 35.6 ± 5.9 and 175 ± 20.1 after 1, 5 and 10 of electropolymerization of pyrrole, respectively. The PPy/CNT/NH₂-ITO films generated by this strategy exhibit significantly improved stability and higher conductivity compared to a similar PPy coating without any embedded CNTs, as assessed by from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The potentiometric response was linear in the 10⁻⁸–3 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ Pb(II) concentration range, and the detection limit was 2.9 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹ at S/N = 3. The EGTA was found to drastically improve selectivity for Pb(II) over Cu(II). To account for this improvement, the density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate the EGTA–metal ion interaction energy, which was found to be −374.6 and −116.4 kJ/mol for Pb(II) and Cu(II), respectively, considering solvation effects. This work demonstrates the power of a subtle combination of diazonium coupling agent, CNTs, chelators and conductive polymers to design high-performance electrochemical sensors for environmental applications.

Electrochemical Sensors, a Bright Future in the Fabrication of Portable Kits in Analytical Systems

Analysis of food, pharmaceutical, and environmental compounds is an inevitable issue to evaluate quality of the compounds used in human life. Quality of drinking water, food products, and pharmaceutical compounds is directly associated with human health. Presence of forbidden additives in food products, toxic compounds in water samples and drugs with low quality lead to important problems for human health. Therefore, attention to analytical strategy for investigation of quality of food, pharmaceutical, and environmental compounds and monitoring presence of forbidden compounds in materials used by humans has increased in recent years. Analytical methods help to identify and quantify both permissible and unauthorized compounds present in the materials used in human daily life. Among analytical methods, electrochemical methods have been shown to have more advantages compared to other analytical methods due to their portability and low cost. Most of big companies have applied this type of analytical methods because of their fast and selective analysis. Due to simple operation and high diversity of electroanalytical sensors, these types of sensors are expected to be the future generation of analytical systems. Therefore, many scientists and researchers have focused on designing and fabrication of electroanalytical sensors with good selectivity and high sensitivity for different types of compounds such as drugs, food, and environmental pollutants. In this paper, we described the mechanism and different examples of DNA, enzymatic and electro-catalytic methods for electroanalytical determination of drug, food and environmental compounds.

DNA-Polylactide Modified Biosensor for Electrochemical Determination of the DNA-Drugs and Aptamer-Aflatoxin M1 Interactions

DNA sensors were assembled by consecutive deposition of thiacalix[4]arenes bearing oligolactic fragments, poly(ethylene imine), and DNA onto the glassy carbon electrode. The assembling of the layers was monitored with scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The configuration of the thiacalix[4]arene core determined self-assembling of the polymeric species to the nano/micro particles with a size of 70–350 nm. Depending on the granulation, the coatings show the accumulation of a variety of DNA quantities, charges, and internal pore volumes. These parameters were used to optimize the DNA sensors based on these coatings. Thus, doxorubicin was determined to have limits of detection of 0.01 nM (cone configuration), 0.05 nM (partial cone configuration), and 0.10 nM (1,3-alternate configuration of the macrocycle core). Substitution of native DNA with aptamer specific to aflatoxin M1 resulted in the detection of the toxin in the range of 20 to 200 ng/L (limit of detection 5 ng/L). The aptasensor was tested in spiked milk samples and showed a recovery of 80 and 85% for 20 and 50 ng/L of the aflatoxin M1, respectively.

Carbon Paste Modified Electrode as Powerful Sensor Approach Determination of Food Contaminants, Drug Ingredients, and Environmental Pollutants: A Review

Background:

Application of electrochemical sensors for analysis of food, biological and water polluting compounds helps to speed up their analysis in the real samples. Electrochemical sensors with low cost, fast response and portable ability are a better choice compared to traditional methods for analysis of electro-active compounds such as HPLC. Therefore, in recent years, many analytical scientists have suggested this type of analytical method for analysis of food, biological compounds and water pollutants.

Objective:

Due to low cost, easy modification and low non-faradic current, the carbon paste electrode is a suitable choice as a working electrode in the electrochemical and especially voltammetric analysis. On the other hand, modification of carbon paste electrode can improve the quality of the sensor for the analysis of electroactive compounds at nanomolar level.

Synthesis, molecular docking and ADMET study of ionic liquid as anticancer inhibitors of DNA and COX-2, TOPII enzymes

A new ionic liquid was synthesized by the reaction of caprolactam with salicylic acid (CL-SA) and characterized by analysis of spectroscopic and DSC data. The optimized geometry and the electrostatic potential map of CL-SA were calculated with DFT method using the wb97xd/6-31++G(d,p) level of theory. Molecular docking study of the CL-SA was carried out to clarify the probable binding modes between the title compound and DNA and COX-2 and TOPII enzymes. In silico ADMET study was also performed for predicting pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of the synthesized ionic liquid which expressed good oral drug-like behavior and non-toxic nature. It was revealed that the compound has a potential to become a lead molecule in drug discovery process.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Development of Novel Nanocomposites Based on Graphene/Graphene Oxide and Electrochemical Sensor Applications

Background:

Until now, several methods such as spectroscopic methods and chromatographic techniques have been developed for the determination of biomolecules, drug or heavy metals. Nevertheless, the crucial interference problems are present in these methods. Due to these reasons, more sensitive, favorable portability, low-cost, simple and selective sensors based on nanocomposites are needed in terms of health safety. In the development of electrochemical nanosensor, the nanomaterials such as graphene/graphene oxide, carbon and carbon nitride nanotubes are utilized to improve the sensitivity.

Objective:

The nanomaterials such as graphene/graphene oxide, carbon and carbon nitride nanotubes have important advantages such as high surface area, electrical conductivity, thermal and mechanical stability. Hence, we presented the highly selective methods for sensitive sensor applications by molecular imprinting technology in literature. This technology is a polymerization method around target molecule. This method provides the specific cavities to analyte molecule on the polymer surface. Hence, the selective sensor is easily created for biomedical and other applications. Novel electrochemical sensors based on nanocomposite whose surface is coated with Molecular Imprinting Polymer (MIP) are developed and then applied to the selective and sensitive detection in this study. Until now, we have presented several reports about nanocomposite based sensor with MIP.

Simultaneous Determination of Epinephrine and Tyrosine Using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Amplified with ZnO-Pt/CNTs Nanocomposite

Background:

Simultaneous analysis of epinephrine and tyrosine as two effective and important biological compounds in human blood and urine samples are very important for the investigation of human health.

Objective:

In this research, a highly effective voltammetric sensor fabricated for simultaneous analysis of epinephrine and tyrosine. The sensor was fabricated by the modification of glassy carbon electrode with ZnO-Pt/CNTs nanocomposite (ZnO-Pt/CNTs/GCE). The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by SEM method. The ZnO-Pt/CNTs/GCE showed two separated oxidation signals at potential ~220 mV and 700 mV for epinephrine and tyrosine, respectively. Also, we detected linear dynamic ranges 0.5-250.0 µM and 1.0-220 µM with a limit of detections 0.1 µM and 0.5 µM for the determination of epinephrine and tyrosine, respectively. The ZnO-Pt/CNTs/GCE was used for the determination of epinephrine and tyrosine in blood serum and human urine samples.

Voltammetric Sensors Based on Various Nanomaterials for the Determination of Sulfonamides

Background:

The widespread applications of sulphonamides, as antibacterial or antimicrobial agents, and their mechanism of actions in the body, have changed their determination to an important issue in the area of human health.

Objective:

Here, history of developing voltammetric sensors based on nanomaterials for the detection of sulfonamides including sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfacetamide, sulfadimethoxine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethiazole and sulfamerazine is reviewed. Modified electrodes based on various nanomaterials (carbonaceous nanomaterials, Metallic Nanoparticles (MNPs), conducting nanopolymers) have been reported, and studies showed that nanomaterials have been mostly used to overcome problems like the poor sensitivity and selectivity of bare electrodes. The study covers the properties of each sensor in detail, and reports and compares the linear ranges, Limits of Detection (LODs), reproducibility, and reusability of the electrodes reported so far.

Recent Advances in Biosensors Based Nanostructure for Pharmaceutical Analysis

Background:

The development of novel nanostructures for pharmaceutical analysis has received great attention. Biosensors are a class of analytical techniques competent in the rapid quantification of drugs. Recently, the nanostructures have been applied for modification of biosensors.

Objective:

The goal of the present study is to review novel nanostructures for pharmaceutical analysis by biosensors.

Method:

In this review, the application of different biosensors was extensively discussed.

Results:

Biosensors based nanostructures are a powerful alternative to conventional analytical techniques, enabling highly sensitive, real-time, and high-frequency monitoring of drugs without extensive sample preparation. Several examples of their application have been reported.

Conclusion:

The present paper reviews the recent advances on the pharmaceutical analysis of biosensor based nanostructures.

Electrochemical Determination of Mycophenolate Mofetil in Drug Samples Using Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium Bromide and NiO/SWCNTs Nanocomposite

Background:

The mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressant drug with wide application in the treatment of cancer and prevent rejection in organ transplantation. This drug showed many sides effects for pregnant women and determination of this drug is very important in the human body.

Objective:

A new electrochemical strategy was described for analysis of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) using novel voltammetric sensor. The sensor was fabricated using NiO/SWCNTs and 1-methyl- 3-butylimidazolium bromide as two conductive mediators for modification of carbon paste electrode (NiO/SWCNTs/MBBr/CPE). The NiO/SWCNTs/MBBr/CPE can be used for analysis of MMF in aqueous buffer solution in the concentration range of 0.08-900 µM. In addition, the NiO/SWCNTs/ MBBr/CPE reduced oxidation over-potential of MMF ~ 80 mV and increased the oxidation current of MMF ~ 2.85 times. In the final step, NiO/SWCNTs/MBBr/CPE was used for determination of MMF in pharmaceutical serum and tablet samples.

A New Nanostructure Square Wave Voltammetric Platform for Determination of Tert-butylhydroxyanisole in Food Samples

Background:

Antioxidants are one of the important additives in food samples due to their role in protecting human cells against the effects of free radicals. The analysis of antioxidants is essential due to the role of antioxidants in improving body health.

Objective:

A square wave voltammetric sensor was fabricated for the determination of tert-butylhydroxyanisole (TBHA) based on the application of CdO/SWCNTs and 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium chloride as mediators for the modification of carbon paste electrode (MBCl/CdO/SWCNTs/CPE). The MBCl/CdO/SWCNTs/CPE improved the sensitivity of TBHA ~ 6.7 times and showed a linear dynamic range 0.07-600 µM with detection limit 0.02 µA for the analysis of TBHA. The pH investigation confirmed that electro-oxidation of TBHA occurred by exchanging two electrons and two protons. In addition, the MBCl/CdO/SWCNTs/CPE was used for determination of TBHA in food samples.

A novel electrochemical epinine sensor using amplified CuO nanoparticles and an-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate electrode

This study suggests a carbon paste electrode modified with CuO nanoparticles andn-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (CPE/CuO-NPs/HMIPF₆) as a powerful tool for the analysis of epinine for the first time.

Highly efficient detection of ciprofloxacin in water using a nitrogen-doped carbon electrode fabricated through plasma modification

We developed a novel electrochemical sensor based on nitrogen plasma modification to effectively detect ciprofloxacin in water.

High-performance interactive analysis of split aptamer and HIV-1 Tat on multiwall carbon nanotube-modified field-effect transistor

Interaction between split RNA aptamer and the clinically important target, HIV-1 Tat was investigated on a biosensing surface transduced by functionally choreographed multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Acid oxidation was performed to functionalize MWCNTs with carboxyl functional groups. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis had profound ~2.91% increment in overall oxygen group and ~1% increment was noticed with a specific carboxyl content owing to CO and OCO bonding. The interaction between split RNA aptamer and HIV-1 Tat protein was quantified by electrical measurements with the current signal (I_ds) over a gate voltage (V_gs). Initially, 34.4 mV gate voltage shift was observed by the immobilization of aptamer on MWCNT. With aptamer and HIV-1 Tat interaction, the current flow was decreased with the concomitant gate voltage shift of 23.5 mV. The attainment of sensitivity with split aptamer and HIV-1 Tat interaction on the fabricated device was 600 pM. To ensure the genuine interaction of aptamer with HIV-1 Tat, other HIV-1 proteins, Nef and p24 were interacted with aptamer and they displayed the negligible interferences with gate voltage shift of 3.5 mV and 5.7 mV, which shows 4 and 2.5 folds lesser than HIV-1 Tat interaction, respectively.

Abnormal Anionic Porphyrin Sensing Effect for HER2 Gene Related DNA Detection via Impedance Difference between MWCNTs and Single-Stranded DNA or Double-Stranded DNA

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a key tumor marker for several common and deadly cancers. It is of great importance to develop efficient detection methods for its over-expression. In this work, an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method adjustable by anionic porphyrin for HER2 gene detection has been proposed, based on the impedance difference between multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and DNA. The interesting finding herein is that with the addition of anionic porphyrin, i.e., meso-tetra(4-sulfophenyl)-porphyrin (TSPP), the impedance value obtained at a glass carbon electrode (GCE) modified with MWCNTs and a single stranded DNA (ssDNA), the probe DNA that might be assembled tightly onto MWCNTs through π-π stacking interaction, gets a slight decrease; however, the impedance value from a GCE modified with MWCNTs and a double stranded DNA (dsDNA), the hybrid of the probe DNA with a target DNA, which might be assembled loosely onto MWCNTs for the screening effect of phosphate backbones in dsDNA, gets an obvious decrease. The reason may be that on the one hand, being rich in negative sulfonate groups, TSPP will try to push DNA far away from CNTs surface due to its strong electrostatic repulsion towards DNA; on the other hand, rich in planar phenyl or pyrrole rings, TSPP will compete with DNA for the surface of CNTs since it can also be assembled onto CNTs through conjugative interactions. In this way, the “loosely assembled” dsDNA will be repelled by this anionic porphyrin and released off CNTs surface much more than the “tightly assembled” ssDNA, leading to a bigger difference in the impedance value between dsDNA and ssDNA. Thus, through the amplification effect of TSPP on the impedance difference, the perfectly matched target DNA could be easily determined by EIS without any label. Under the optimized experimental conditions, this electrochemical sensor shows an excellent linear response to target DNA in a concentration range of 2.0 × 10⁻¹¹–2.0 × 10⁻⁶ M with a limit of detection (LOD) of 6.34 × 10⁻¹¹ M (S/N = 3). This abnormally sensitive electrochemical sensing performance resulting from anionic porphyrin for DNA sequences specific to HER2 gene will offer considerable promise for tumor diagnosis and treatment.

An amplified platform nanostructure sensor for the analysis of epirubicin in the presence of topotecan as two important chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer therapy

Epirubicin (EB) and topotecan (TP) are two major anticancer drugs that are used in breast cancer therapy with many side effects.