An amplified electrochemical strategy using DNA-QDs dendrimer superstructure for the detection of thymine DNA glycosylase activity

A triple-signal amplification strategy was proposed for highly sensitive and selective detection of thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) by coupling a dendrimer-like DNA label with the electrochemical method and quantum dots (QDs) tagging. The DNA-QDs dendrimer-like superstructure was designed by DNA hybridization and covalent assembling. Benefiting from outstanding performance of the amplification strategy, this assay showed high sensitivity, extraordinary stability, and easy operation. The limit of detection could reach 0.00003 U µL−1 with a splendid specificity. The TDG content in different concentration of HeLa cell was also determined. This assay opens a new horizon for both qualitative and quantitative detection of TDG, holding great promise for potential application in cancer cell research and clinical diagnostics.