Label-Free Detection of DNA Hybridization at a Liquid|Liquid Interface

A novel electrochemical approach for label-free detection of DNA primary sequence has been proposed. The flow of nonelectroactive ions across a liquid|liquid interface was used as an electrochemical probe for detection of DNA hybridization. Disposable graphite screen-printed electrodes shielded with a thin layer of inert polymer plasticized with water-immiscible polar organic solvent were modified by probe oligonucleotide and used as a DNA sensor. The specific DNA coupling has been detected with impedance spectroscopy by decrease of ion-transfer resistance. The detection limit was of 10-8 M of target oligonucleotide. The reported sensor was suitable for discrimination of a single mismatch oligonucleotide from the full complementary one. The reported DNA sensor was advantageous over known physicochemical approaches, providing the most significant changes in the measured parameters.