An ultrasensitive label free human papilloma virus DNA biosensor using gold nanotubes based on nanoporous polycarbonate in electrical alignment

Abstract

An impedimetric human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA biosensor based on gold nanotubes (AuNTs) in label free detection was materialized. The AuNTs decorated nanoporous polycarbonate (AuNTs-PC) template as biosensor electrode was fabricated by electrodeposition method. The single strand DNA (ss-DNA) probe was covalently immobilized onto the AuNTs-PC electrode. The hybridization of target sequences with the ss-DNA probe was observed by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The biosensor showed high selectivity and could differentiate between the complementary, mismatch and non-complementary DNA sequences. The EIS measurements were matched to Randle's equivalent circuit. The negatively-charged HPV DNA oligonucleotides under external electric field were oriented in a preferred direction and the bio-sensing responses were intensified by controlling the immobilization and hybridization of the sequences on the AuNTs surface. The fabricated DNA biosensor under electric field amplification was stable up to six weeks and demonstrated 97% of its initial detection responses. The biosensor displayed the HPV DNA hybridization detection in very low concentrations in the linear response ranges of 0.01 pM–1 μM and was able to acquire a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 fM.