Reversible capture of genomic DNA by a Nafion-coated electrode

A method in which an electrode itself is used as the sample preparation microchip is described. The gold electrode was coated with an ion-permeable polymer, Nafion, to prevent the permanent adsorption and destruction of DNA. The modified electrode was able to capture as much DNA as the bare gold electrode and to release the captured DNA effectively, whereas the bare gold electrode could not release bound DNA. The elution efficiency was greater than 70% for the Nafion-coated electrode, whereas it was less than 10% for the bare electrode. The DNA obtained was undamaged and could be amplified by polymerase chain reaction.