Y-Shaped Deoxyribonucleic Acid Scaffold Pendulums: A One-Step Electrochemical Sensor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Direct monitoring of targets in complex samples presents significant challenges for current sensing platforms.
• Conventional molecular pendulum designs are limited in detecting small molecules and low-molecular-weight proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a one-step electrochemical sensing platform for detecting small molecules and low-molecular-weight proteins.
• To design and evaluate innovative Y-shaped DNA molecular pendulum configurations.

Main Methods:

• A Y-shaped DNA molecular pendulum with a split aptamer was designed for enhanced sensitivity.
• Three configurations were tested: single-arm, flexible double-arm, and stable double-arm.
• The sensor's performance was evaluated for detecting enrofloxacin (ENR) and myoglobin (Myo) in various complex samples.

Main Results:

• The stable double-arm Y-shaped DNA molecular pendulum demonstrated a broader detection range and enhanced electrical signal.
• This configuration's stability prolongs probe-electrode interaction time, amplifying signal changes.
• The sensor successfully detected enrofloxacin in milk, artificial urine, and cosmetics within EU-compliant limits.
• Myoglobin detection in artificial urine and serum was achieved by modifying the DNA strand.

Conclusions:

• The stable double-arm Y-shaped DNA molecular pendulum offers a robust and sensitive platform for one-step electrochemical detection.
• This adaptable design is suitable for detecting a range of small molecules and low-molecular-weight proteins in complex matrices.
• The developed sensor technology provides a simple and expandable approach for various analytical applications.