Binding of polynucleotides to conjugated polyelectrolytes and its applications in sensing

We provide a brief overview of the structural characteristics of the main groups of conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) as well as the methods of synthesis and their behaviour in solution. Their tendency to form aggregates in solution, which is one of the key points to be taken into account for them to be used in polynucleotide sensing, is also considered and the various strategies adopted to avoid it will be discussed. These include the synthetic one (with the incorporation of charged and/or bulky substituents), the use of organic co-solvents and the addition of surfactants. The main physical chemical changes (optical, photophysical, electrical conductivity and viscosity) observed upon direct binding between polynucleotide and CPE, the kind of interactions involved and their applicability in sensing are considered as a function of the CPE structural rigidity. Moreover, more complex devices developed in CPE-polynucleotide sensing with the involvement of additional spectroscopic probes to induce Förster resonant energy transfer processes (FRET) or superquenching phenomena are reviewed. Finally, the main CPE applications in biosensing and the potential use of these systems in understanding DNA compaction and possible extension to the construction of supramolecular oligonucleotide structures are summarized.