Selective, electrochemically activated biofunctionalization of In2O3 nanowires using an air-stable surface modifier

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Indium oxide nanowires (In(2)O(3) NWs) offer unique properties for sensing applications.
• Developing selective functionalization methods is crucial for advanced nanomaterial applications.
• Electrochemical activation provides a controllable route for surface modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve selective electrochemically activated biofunctionalization of In(2)O(3) NWs.
• To demonstrate the utility of p-dimethoxybenzene derivatives for controlled surface modification.
• To explore the potential of functionalized In(2)O(3) NWs in biosensing.

Main Methods:

• Monolayer coatings of 4-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)butyl-phosphonic acid (DMP-PA) were deposited on In(2)O(3) NWs and indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes.
• Electrochemical potential was applied to convert DMP-PA to p-benzoquinone (BQ) groups.
• Thiol-terminated oligonucleotides were reacted with the BQ-functionalized NWs.

Main Results:

• Electrochemical activation successfully converted DMP-PA to BQ groups on In(2)O(3) NWs.
• The BQ-functionalized NWs readily reacted with thiol-terminated oligonucleotides.
• Functionalized NWs exhibited fluorescence upon hybridization with complementary strands, confirming probe binding and activity.
• p-dimethoxybenzene derivatives enhanced selectivity compared to hydroquinone analogs.

Conclusions:

• Selective electrochemical biofunctionalization of In(2)O(3) NWs is feasible using p-dimethoxybenzene derivatives.
• This method allows for the immobilization of active biomolecules onto nanowire surfaces.
• The functionalized NWs show promise for developing sensitive and selective multiplex biosensing platforms.