Electronic detection of DNA utilizing ferrocenyl peptide conjugates probe

By using solid phase methods (ferrocenyl peptide) conjugate-DNA complexes are formed, in which the peptide sequence is YKKAA. The identity of a DNA target can be determined by E1/2 (half-wave potential) of ferrocenyl peptide complexes and the ratio of peak currents. Additionally, these conjugate-DNA complexes exhibit predictable and trackable electrochemical properties, high DNA duplex stability, and specific sharp melting transitions. Experiments for the detection of single-base match by utilizing two signaling probes are carried out, and the results demonstrate that rapid and accurate detection of a single-base mismatch can be achieved by using these dual-signaling probes. The conjugate-DNA interface of the nonspecific complexes is flexible on biologically relevant time scales that may assist in the rapid and efficient finding of the target site.