Electrochemical investigation of the interaction between topotecan and DNA at disposable graphite electrodes

Gulsah Congur1, Arzum Erdem1, Fehmi Mese1

  • 1Ege University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Analytical Chemistry Department, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.

Insights

Researchers developed novel electrochemical biosensors to study Topotecan (TPT) interactions with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Modified electrodes enhanced TPT detection, offering new insights into its DNA binding mechanisms for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Electrochemistry
  • Biosensor Technology
  • Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

  • Topotecan (TPT), a camptothecin analog, is a vital chemotherapeutic agent for ovarian and cervical cancers.
  • Understanding TPT's interaction with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic efficacy.
  • Electrochemical methods offer sensitive platforms for studying drug-DNA interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize novel electrochemical biosensor platforms for investigating TPT-dsDNA interactions.
  • To evaluate the performance of pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) modified PGEs for TPT detection.
  • To elucidate the impact of TPT on DNA structure and electrochemical signals.

Main Methods:

  • Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to detect TPT and TPT-dsDNA interactions.
  • Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) modified PGEs were utilized to enhance sensor sensitivity.
  • Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to analyze electrode modification and interaction mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • SWCNT-modified PGEs demonstrated significantly enhanced sensor responses compared to unmodified PGEs.
  • Achieved limits of detection (LODs) for TPT were as low as 0.37 μg/mL (96.5 pmol) using SWCNT-PGEs.
  • Electrochemical signals of TPT and guanine showed distinct changes upon TPT-dsDNA interaction.

Conclusions:

  • Novel SWCNT-modified PGEs provide a sensitive and effective platform for detecting TPT and studying its interaction with dsDNA.
  • The developed biosensor advances our understanding of TPT's mechanism of action at the molecular level.
  • This research contributes to the development of improved diagnostic tools for cancer therapy monitoring.