posted on 2023-12-28, 18:39authored byAlexander Shaver, Kyle Mallires, Jonathan Harris, Jonathan Kavner, Bo Wang, Rebecca Gottlieb, Juan Lión-Villar, María Ángeles Herranz, Nazario Martín, Netzahualcóyotl Arroyo-Currás
Electrochemical biosensors
are a continuously evolving
technology
with great potential for applications in human health. With the continuous
glucose monitor as an example, these sensors are capable of accurately
determining molecular concentrations directly in the human body. A
specific class of biosensors, termed conformation switching nucleic
acid-based electrochemical sensors (NBEs), relies on the affinity
of oligonucleotides for molecular recognition and their conformational
dynamics upon target binding for signal generation. Currently, most
NBEs are fabricated via the self-assembly of alkylthiol monolayers
on Au electrodes. However, this architecture is limited in terms of
stability and the breadth of supporting materials with which it is
compatible. Here, to explore alternative material options for the
fabrication of NBE sensors, we form conductive polymers of aromatic
amines, thiophenes, and pyrroles on platinum electrodes. Altering
many parameters throughout the study, we determine the extent to which
the polymers passivate the electrode surface and then couple redox
reporters or reporter-modified nucleic acids. We discuss the limitations
and benefits of each polymer for the formation of NBE sensors and
provide future directions to continue the quest for alternative sensor
materials.