Highly sensitive amperometric detection of genomic DNA in animal tissues

A simple and highly sensitive method for the detection of genomic DNA in tissue samples is described. It is based on amperometric detection of target DNA by forming an analyte/polymeric activator bilayer on a gold electrode. The biotinylated target DNA is hybridized to oligonucleotide capture probes immobilized on the gold electrode, forming the first layer. A subsequent binding of glucose oxidase-avidin conjugate to the target DNA and the introduction of a second layer of a redox polymer to the electrode, via layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly, allow for electrochemical detection of the catalytic oxidation current of glucose in a PBS solution. Less than 2.0 fg of rat genomic DNA, for both regulated and house-keeping genes, can be easily detected in 2.5 microl droplets. The proposed procedure shows very high specificity for genomic DNA in a RT-PCR mixture.