Highly sensitive interfaces of graphene electrical-electrochemical vertical devices for on drop atto-molar DNA detection

Author(s)

Mattioli, Isabela A. ^[1] ; Hassan, Ayaz ^[1] ; Sanches, Natalia M. ^[1] ; Vieira, Nirton C. S. ^[2] ; Crespilho, Frank N. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Inst Chem, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Sci & Technol, BR-12231280 S ao Jose Dos Campos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS; v. 175, MAR 1 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The development of novel high-sensitivity DNA-based biosensors is beneficial, as these devices have applications in the identification of genetic risk factors, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Herein, we report on the first robust device capable of detecting DNA on a microliter drop with a zepto-molar (10(-21)) concentration. To accomplish this, we engineered an electrical-electrochemical vertical device (EEVD) that comprises a novel drain and source terminal in a short-circuited configuration, paired with an ideal nonpolarizable reference electrode. Vertical electron transfer occurs perpendicularly to the graphene plane, while the electronic current flows through the graphene van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions. Ferrocene adsorbed on graphene was strategically chosen as the vdW heterojunction redox component. Charge carrier insertion into the graphene makes the EEVD 10 times more sensitive than traditional graphene field-effect transistors. Interfacial potential changes were measured for single-stranded DNA detection with an unprecedented zepto-molar limit of detection. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/12053-8 - High performance electrodes applied in organic batteries and in biofuel cell
• Grantee: Frank Nelson Crespilho
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/07508-3 - Exploring the electrical and optical properties of graphene derivatives for the detection of cyanotoxins
• Grantee: Nirton Cristi Silva Vieira
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/20493-2 - Study of metalloenzymes through electrochemistry coupled to vibrational spectroscopy
• Grantee: Lucyano Jefferson Alves de Macêdo
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis
• Grantee: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/11071-0 - Development and application of disposable screen-printed composite electrodes based on metallic nanoparticles and graphite-polyurethane
• Grantee: Isabela Alteia Mattioli
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/15333-1 - Bio-photo-electrochemical hybrid cells for solar energy conversion
• Grantee: Frank Nelson Crespilho
• Support type: Regular Research Grants