Femtomolar level detection of BRCA1 gene using a gold nanoparticle labeled sandwich type DNA sensor

•Fabricated a gold nanoparticle-based sandwich type electrochemical DNA sensor for femtomolar detection of BRCA 1 gene.•The incorporation of gold nanoparticles in this sensor design significantly enhanced the sensitivity in the electrochemical detection.•The DNA sensor exhibited excellent selectivity against noncomplementary sequences and three base mismatch complementary targets.

We demonstrate the amplified detection of BRCAI gene based on the gold nanoparticle labeled DNA sensor. The sensor was based on a “sandwich” detection strategy, which involved an immobilized capture probe DNA (DNA-c), Target DNA (DNA-t) and gold nanoparticle conjugated reporter probe DNA (DNA-r.AuNP). The sensor surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Detection capability of the sensor was studied with I–V measurements using either scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) or Keithley 2400 Source Meter SMU Instrument. The DNA sensor could detect up to 1 fM DNA target (5.896 fg of BRCA 1 gene/ml) and exhibited excellent selectivity against noncomplementary sequences and three base mismatch complementary targets. Good reproducibility, high sensitivity, good stability and reusability of the developed sensor surface showed its application in early cancer diagnosis.

Graphical abstractA highly sensitive sandwich type DNA sensor has been demonstrated for the femtomolar level detection of BRCA 1 gene.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide