Vertically aligned carbon nanofiber electrode arrays for nucleic acid detection

► Parylene-C allows a conformal film on Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanofibers (VACNFs). ► Encapsulated VACNFs provide adequate passivation and low background current. ► A simple surface treatment is only needed for reproducible electrochemical signal. ► DNA target of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was detected with high sensitivity (S/N ratio >4).