Accumulation of amplified target DNAs using thiol/biotin labeling, S1 nuclease, and ferrocene-streptavidin-magnetic system and a direct detection of specific DNA signals with screen printed gold electrode

Combinations of PCR-based amplification platform using 5′ thiolated and biotinylated specific primers, S1 nuclease-PCR products treatment, ferrocene-streptavidin (Fc-Stv)-magnetic binding for DNA accumulation, and screen printed gold electrode for the DNA allocation, were applied to Hoechst 33258-induced DNA aggregation and signals induction system for direct signals detection and DNA quantification in food samples. Thiolated and biotinylated at each 5′ terminus enabled DNA purification through S1 nuclease treatment for primers and non-specific DNA elimination and enabled DNA trapping with a ferrocene-streptavidin-magnetic system. This facilitated the accumulation of target DNAs at higher concentration, resulting in enhanced signals. After allocation of DNA on the surface of gold electrode via thiol binding, intensity of DNA signals through these treatments could be measured directly after being induced by Hoechst 33258. Wider amplitude changes in anodic current peaks between negative and positive samples (increasing from 3.70 to 10.10 μA) compared with those applied with no treatment combinations (decreasing from 3.92 to 1.23 μA) were observed. This enhancement of the signals allowed a greater efficiency of DNA quantification. When this combination was used for GMOs content estimation in reference samples, results revealed an improved accuracy from 66% to 96%. The combined biosensor system, although more costly than the standard Hoechst 33258/carbon electrode system, provided an alternative choice for DNA quantification, offering labor-free immobilization of probe onto electrode surface, easy test administration, and efficient semi-quantitative test without expensive instruments.