Proximity hybridization triggered hemin/G-quadruplex formation for construction a label-free and signal-on electrochemical DNA sensor

We describe a novel label-free and signal-on electrochemical DNA sensing platform via proximity hybridization triggered hemin/G-quadruplex formation based on the direct electron transfer of hemin. The thiolated modified G-DNA1 was first immobilized onto the Au electrode surface. In the presence of target DNA, Y-junction-structure ternary complex can be formed to trigger the proximity assembly of G-DNA1, hemin, and G-DNA2, which leads to the formation of hemin/G-quadruplex for generation an amplified electrochemical signal by differential pulse voltammetry. The observed signal gain was sufficient to achieve a demonstrated detection limit of 54 fM, with a wide linear dynamic range from 10−13 to 10−9 M and discriminated mismatched DNA from perfect matched target DNA with a high selectivity. Benefiting from the one step proximity dependent hemin/G-quadruplex formation, the assay method is extremely simple and can be carried out within 40 min. The advantages of free of any label conjugation step, and versatility make it a promising candidate for point-of-care testing and commercial application.