Electrochemical Biosensing of Nucleic Acid Interactions

The electrochemical biosensing of nucleic acid interactions exploits the redox properties of nucleobases combined with tailored electrode interfaces to probe binding events and conformational changes in DNA or RNA. By immobilising oligonucleotides or double-stranded DNA onto conductive platforms such as carbon, graphene-based or screen-printed electrodes, this approach offers real-time, label-free detection of small molecules, proteins and drugs that interact with nucleic acids. Analytical modalities such as differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy monitor variations in current or potential arising from alterations in electron-transfer kinetics, peak potentials and signal intensities of guanine, adenine and other nucleobases. Recent advances in electrode modification using nanomaterials, ionic liquids and self-assembled nanostructures have improved sensitivity down to nanomolar concentrations while enhancing selectivity through molecular recognition elements and signal amplification strategies. Beyond fundamental insights into intercalation, groove binding and electrostatic interactions, these biosensors hold promise for pharmaceutical screening, environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics, enabling low-cost, portable detection platforms with rapid response times and minimal sample preparation.

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Electrochemical Biosensing of Nucleic Acid Interactions publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in electrochemical biosensing of nucleic acid interactions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Electrochemical biosensor: A device that transduces biochemical interactions, often between nucleic acids and target molecules, into an electrical signal via redox changes at an electrode.

Differential pulse voltammetry: A voltammetric technique that applies successive potential pulses to measure current differences, enhancing resolution and sensitivity for redox-active species.

Screen-printed electrode: A low-cost, disposable electrode fabricated by printing conductive inks, widely used for point-of-care electrochemical assays.

Intercalation: The insertion of molecules between the base pairs of DNA, altering its electrochemical and structural properties.

Binding constant: A quantitative measure of the strength of interaction between a ligand and nucleic acid, often derived from changes in electrochemical signal.

Graphene oxide: A two-dimensional carbon material with oxygen functional groups that enhances surface area, conductivity and biomolecule immobilisation.

Ionic liquid: A molten salt at room temperature used to improve electrode conductivity, stability and biocompatibility in biosensing applications.

References

1. Elucidation of DNA-Eltrombopag Binding: Electrochemical, Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Techniques. Biosensors (2023).
2. Pharmacogenomic Studies of Antiviral Drug Favipiravir. Pharmaceutics (2024).
3. What Can Electrochemical Methods Offer in Determining DNA–Drug Interactions?. Molecules (2021).
4. Graphene-Oxide and Ionic Liquid Modified Electrodes for Electrochemical Sensing of Breast Cancer 1 Gene. Biosensors (2022).