Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
amino acid residues in proteins allows for direct electrochemical
measurement withoutany labeling [64].
Inspecificcases,disturbanceofthebasepairstackingviaflipping
out a nucleobase or via bending the duplex was found to affect the
dsDNA-mediated charge transfer at a goldelectrode [65].
1.4 Conclusions
In this chapter, DNA-based biosensors were presented as special
analytical devices capable of selective or class-selective detec-
tion/recognition of chemical interactions of the surface-confined
DNA with substances of interest such as oligonucleotides, low
molecular mass compounds, and species leading to DNA damage
and preservation of DNA structure, together with related, rather
special terminology. As was stated for electrochemical biosensors
generally [6], definitions, terminology and classification cannot
unambiguouslyaddresseverydetail,nuanceandcontingencyofthis
diverse subject. This is also fully true for the rapidly developing
fieldofDNA-basedbiosensorswithnewformsofnucleicacidsused;
new ways of sensor fabrication, measurement arrangement and
procedures; and finally new practical utilization. Nevertheless, the
terminology and classification presented here rather systematically
and documented by numerous examples could help build up
communicationandunderstandingbetweenexpertsandstudentsin
this field.
We believe that it will also stimulate progress in the systematic
development of DNA biosensors and their application as screening
tools for drug investigation, as warning systems in rapid chemical
toxicity tests, as testing devices in food and water analysis, in
the evaluation of effects of antioxidants, and in the investigation
of interactions of nucleic acids with other biomacromolecules as
proteins.
Glossary
AC voltammetry/polarography
An analysis of the current response
to a small-amplitude sinusoidal voltage perturbation superimposed
