A novel aptameric biosensor based on the self-assembled DNA-WS₂ nanosheet architecture

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Tungsten disulfide (WS2) exhibits preferential binding to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) over double-stranded DNA (dsDNA).
• Developing stable and sensitive biosensing interfaces is crucial for accurate analyte detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a stable sensing interface for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection using the ssDNA-WS2 interaction.
• To fabricate a novel electrochemical aptasensor for ATP detection based on WS2 nanosheets.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of ssDNA on a gold electrode, followed by WS2 nanosheet attachment via ssDNA affinity.
• Immobilization of ATP binding aptamer (ABA) onto WS2 nanosheets.
• Detection of ATP through aptamer-target interaction, leading to duplex formation and dissociation from WS2.

Main Results:

• A highly sensitive, selective, and stable electrochemical aptasensor for ATP was successfully fabricated.
• The WS2-ssDNA interaction provided a robust platform for aptamer immobilization.
• The strategy was successfully extended to detect mercury ions (Hg2+) using a specific aptamer.

Conclusions:

• The WS2-ssDNA interaction offers a promising approach for developing high-performance electrochemical aptasensors.
• This strategy provides a versatile platform for detecting various target analytes.
• The developed aptasensor demonstrates significant potential for sensitive and selective biomolecule detection.