DNAzyme-functionalized Pt nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes for amplified sandwich electrochemical DNA analysis

A novel DNAzyme-functionalized Pt nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes (DNAzyme/Pt NPs/CNTs) bioconjugate was fabricated as trace tag for ultrasensitive sandwich DNA detection. The Pt NPs/CNTs were prepared via layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of the Pt NPs and polyelectrolyte on the carboxylated CNTs, followed by the functionalization with the DNAzyme and reporter probe DNA through the platinum—sulfur bonding. The subsequent sandwich-type DNA specific reaction would confine numerous DNAzyme/Pt NPs/CNTs bioconjugate onto the gold electrode surface for amplifying the signal. In the presence of 3,3′,5,5′ tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) which could be oxidized by the DNAzyme, electrochemical signals could be generated by chronoamperometry via the interrogation of reduction electrochemical signal of oxidized TMB. The constructed DNA sensor exhibited a wide linear response to target DNA ranging from 1.0 fM to 10 pM with the detection limit down to 0.6 fM and exhibited excellent selectivity against even a single base mismatch. In addition, this novel DNA sensor showed fairly good reproducibility, stability, and reusability.

► Pt NPs/CNTs nanocomposite was prepared via layer-by-layer assembly.
► DNAzyme-functionalized Pt NPs/CNTs bioconjugate was used as trace tag for DNA sensing.
► The DNAzyme would catalyze the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′ tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) with H2O2.
► Electrochemical signal was generated via the interrogation of reduction current of oxidized TMB.