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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
17:16
Development of an Electrochemical DNA Biosensor to Detect a Foodborne Pathogen
Published on: June 3, 2018
Microdetermination of double-stranded DNA by linear sweep voltammetry with phenosafranine
1College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, People's Republic of China. sunwei_1975@public.qd.sd.cn
Summary
A new voltammetric method detects fish sperm double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) using phenosafranine (PSF). This method quantifies dsDNA by measuring the decrease in PSF
Area of Science:
- Electroanalytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Accurate quantification of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is crucial in various biological and biotechnological applications.
- Existing methods for dsDNA determination may have limitations in sensitivity, specificity, or ease of use.
- Development of novel electrochemical techniques offers potential for sensitive and selective DNA analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel voltammetric method for the sensitive determination of microamounts of fish sperm dsDNA.
- To investigate the interaction mechanism between dsDNA and phenosafranine (PSF) for electrochemical detection.
- To apply the developed method for the analysis of synthetic DNA samples and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products.
Main Methods:
- A voltammetric method utilizing linear sweep voltammetry on a mercury electrode was employed.
- The method is based on the interaction between dsDNA and phenosafranine (PSF) in a Britton-Robinson buffer.
- Electrochemical parameters and interaction conditions were optimized for sensitive detection.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in the voltammetric peak current of PSF was observed upon interaction with dsDNA, indicating complex formation.
- The method demonstrated a linear relationship between the decrease in peak current and dsDNA concentration in the range of 1.0–40.0 µg/mL.
- A low detection limit of 0.25 µg/mL was achieved, and the method was successfully applied to synthetic samples and PCR products from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Conclusions:
- The proposed voltammetric method provides a sensitive and reliable approach for the determination of fish sperm dsDNA.
- The interaction between dsDNA and PSF forms a supramolecular complex, leading to a measurable electrochemical signal change.
- This technique shows promise for the analysis of DNA in various biological samples, including those from GMOs.
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