Fully printed one-step biosensing device using graphene/AuNPs composite

Abstract

Driven by the growing need of simple, cost efficient and flexible sensing systems, we have designed here a fully printed Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) based impedimetric sensor for one step sensing of DNA. The DNA sensor was fabricated by stamping of layered rGO and rGO/gold nanoparticles/single stranded DNA (rGO/AuNPs/ssDNA) composites over PET substrates using wax-printing technique. rGO works as an excellent working electrode, while the AuNPs create a suitable environment for ssDNA immobilization. Counter and reference electrodes were previously screen-printed on the plastic substrate, making thus a compact and highly integrated sensing platform. The change in electron transfer resistance after hybridization with a target ssDNA specific of Coxsackie B3 virus was monitored using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), finding a linear response in the range of concentrations 0.01–20 µM. The novel, simple and straightforward one-step printing process for fabrication of a biosensing device developed keeps in mind the growing need of large scale device manufacturing. The successful proof-of-concept for the detection of DNA hybridization can be extended to other affinity biosensors, taking advantage of the integration of the bioreceptor on the sensor surface. Such ready-to-use biosensor would lead to a one-step electrochemical detection.