SPR-based single nucleotide mismatch biosensor

The detection and characterization of the hybridization event of 21-base, unlabeled DNA oligonucleotides with a monolayer of complementary DNA immobilized on a gold surface, by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is presented. A thiol modification on the probe DNA strand allowed for its attachment to the surface via self-assembly. For the hybridization of full match target DNA a detection limit of 20 pM was determined. RNA hybridization was also detectable with the same sensor, with a similar detection limit. The SPR signal generated upon hybridization of the full match was always distinguishable from the single mismatch target DNA oligonucleotides when the mismatch was in the middle or at the proximal end of the target DNA sequence. However, the response of the sensor was identical for the hybridization of the full match and the distal end mismatch. The SPR sensor described is reusable over at least 20 hybridization/regeneration cycles and is insensitive to flow rate (20-800 µL min-1) or temperature (20-60 °C). Based on the SPR response, the surface density of the probe was estimated to be at least 4.3 × 1012 molecules per cm2.