Immobilized DNA hairpins for reagentless electrochemical gene detection

CHED 186

Leon Sheynkman, lsheynkm@calpoly.edu, Chemistry and Biochemistry, California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0402, Mark W. Grinstaff, mgrin@bu.edu, Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, and Chad E. Immoos, cimmoos@calpoly.edu, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0402.
Identifying specific nucleic acid sequences of viral or bacterial pathogens, hereditary diseases, or genetic abnormalities is of widespread interest in the areas of medicine, biotechnology, and homeland security. Electrochemical detection is desirable for a wide range of uses because precise measurements can be performed with simple instrumentation, using opaque device materials and colored or turbid samples. We are developing hybridization assays capable of detecting and measuring nucleic acids without the need for added reagents or labeled DNA primers. The synthesis and characterization of a DNA hairpin, containing both a redox active reporter molecule as well as terminal thiol functionality are presented. Hybridization with complementary DNA results in a conformational change that also alters the electrochemical response of the redox probe. Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemistry of the redox-active DNA will be presented. Initial results for the detection of target DNA will also be presented.