Title: Oligonucleotide-based signal amplification for ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor

Authors: Abdel-Nasser Kawde

Addresses: Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology, and Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, KSA; Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt

Abstract: There is a need for an inexpensive, non-invasive and quick investigation with high sensitivity and specificity for early and accurate diagnosis of cancers. The present amplified bioassay takes advantage of the state-of-the-art electrical DNA detection methods, including the highly sensitive stripping response based on the intrinsic electroactivity of guanine and adenine nucleobases, and the amplification potential of latex microspheres carrying numerous oligonucleotide tags. The dramatic signal amplification advantage of this type of detection has been combined with efficient magnetic removal of non-complementary DNA for maximum selectivity, use of microlitre sample volumes and disposable transducers. The advantages of this procedure were demonstrated by its application in the detection of DNA segments related to the BRCA1 breast cancer gene.

Keywords: electrochemical biosensors; signal amplification; breast cancer gene detection; intrinsic electroactivity; nucleic acids; DNA hybridisation detection; oligonucleotides; nano-tags; nanotechnology; cancer diagnosis; early diagnosis; microlitre samples; disposable transducers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBNN.2011.041001

International Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2011 Vol.2 No.2, pp.177 - 186

Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article