Block copolymer-assembled nanopore arrays enable ultrasensitive label-free DNA detection

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biosensors
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Nanoporous-based electrochemical biosensors offer rapid pathogen identification and disease diagnosis.
• Current fabrication methods for nanoporous layers are complex and lack precise control over dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified, controlled fabrication process for nanoporous thin films for DNA detection.
• To create a novel nanoarchitecture for enhanced electrochemical DNA sensing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a bottom-up self-assembly process with block copolymers and sol-gel precursors.
• Fabricated inorganic nanoporous thin films directly onto electrode surfaces.
• Surface modification with DNA capture probes for specific sequence detection.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 150 nm thick nanoporous thin film with controlled structural features.
• Successfully detected E. coli DNA sequences electrochemically in under 20 minutes.
• Established a limit of detection of 30 femtomolar (fM) and a limit of quantification of 500 fM.

Conclusions:

• The novel self-assembly method simplifies nanoporous layer fabrication, eliminating complex membrane handling.
• The developed nanoarchitecture enables rapid, sensitive, and accurate electrochemical DNA detection.
• This advancement paves the way for portable and precise DNA detection systems for diagnostics.