(Invited) Controlled DNA Bioconjugations to Electroactive Surfaces

Abstract

DNA is unique in its abilities to both self-assemble and recognize biomolecules, enabling its application in a variety of fundamental scientific and medical devices. Many DNA-based platforms depend on thiol groups to tether DNA to gold surfaces, but this method suffers from the lack of control over DNA assembly. We have developed multiple, complementary, one-pot bioconjugation reactions to attach oligonucleotides to electroactive surfaces. With these methods, we can control the final DNA surface coverage by varying the reaction time and concentration of reactive species. We have shown the broad applicability of these methods by developing electrochemical biosensors using them and by specifically capturing living nonadherent cells through DNA hybridization. These methods have shifted the paradigm of DNA attachment to metal surfaces and represents a new direction for selective biomolecule attachment to surfaces.