Electrochemical biosensors for the monitoring of DNA damage induced by ferric ions mediated oxidation of dopamine

This paper proposed an electrochemical biosensor supporting the viewpoints of oxidatively damaged DNA in neurodegeneration during the natural aging process and in neurodegenerative diseases. The presence of dopamine, a kind of redox-active catecholamine neurotransmitters, coupled with catalytic ferric ions could induce oxidatively DNA damage. [Co(bpy)3]3 + was employed in the detection of DNA damage by differential pulse voltammetry. The formed hydroxyl radical, as the substantial cause of DNA damage, was validated by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (0.1 M [Fe(CN)6]3 −/[Fe(CN)6]4 − as the indicator) was also used for verifying that DNA charge transport was attenuated during the process of DNA damage. The optimizations of incubation time and dopamine/Fe2(SO4)3 molar ratio on DNA damage were explored. Moreover, the experimental results testified that both ascorbic acid and rutin could protect DNA from oxidative damage efficiently.

Graphical abstractSchematic diagram about the electrochemical detection of DNA damage induced by ferric ions mediated oxidation of dopamine.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► DNA damage induced by dopamine/Fe3 + was detected by DPV for the first time. ► DNA damage induced by dopamine/Fe3 + was validated by EIS. ► DNA damage by dopamine/Fe3 + was more severe than that in Fenton reaction. ► An indicator, Co(bpy)33 +, was employed for the detection of DNA damage.