New calix[4]arene derivatives as ionophores in polymeric membrane electrodes for Ag(I): Comparative selectivity studies and detection of DNA hybridization

► Ag+ ionophores possessing various donor atoms and different topology were synthesized. ► Silver ion selective microelectrodes (Ag-ISμEs) were successfully constructed. ► The fabricated Ag-ISμE could be used to detect DNA hybridization under non-stringent conditions. ► The method discriminated complementary from single mismatched and non-complementary DNA targets.