A sandwich-type DNA biosensor based on electrochemical co-reduction synthesis of graphene-three dimensional nanostructure gold nanocomposite films

A novel electrochemical DNA biosensor based on graphene-three dimensional nanostructure gold nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (G-3D Au/GCE) was fabricated for detection of survivin gene which was correlated with osteosarcoma. The G-3D Au film was prepared with one-step electrochemical coreduction with graphite oxide and HAuCl4 at cathodic potentials. The active surface area of G-3D Au/GCE was 2.629 cm2, which was about 3.8 times compared to that of a Au-coated GCE under the same experimental conditions, and 8.8 times compared to a planar gold electrode with a similar geometric area. The resultant nanocomposites with high conductivity, electrocatalysis and biocompatibility were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A “sandwich-type” detection strategy was employed in this electrochemical DNA biosensor and the response of this DNA biosensor was measured by CV and amperometric current–time curve detection. Under optimum conditions, there was a good linear relationship between the current signal and the logarithmic function of complementary DNA concentration in a range of 50–5000 fM with a detection limit of 3.4 fM. This new biosensor exhibited a fast amperometric response, high sensitivity and selectivity and has been used in a polymerase chain reaction assay of real-life sample with a satisfactory result.

Graphite oxide (GO) Au-nanoparticle graphene capture probe biotinylated target probe avidin-HRP reporter probe.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Graphene-three dimensional nanostructure gold nanocomposite modified GCE is fabricated.
► A “sandwich-type” detection strategy is employed in this electrochemical DNA biosensor.
► The detection limit of the DNA biosensor is 3.4 fM.
► The new DNA biosensor exhibited a fast response, high sensitivity and selectivity.
► The new DNA biosensor has been used for an assay of PCR real sample.