Advances in Electrochemiluminescence Biosensors Based on DNA Walkers

Abstract

Mediated by Watson‐Crick base‐pairing principle, DNA can be used to construct multi‐functional molecular machines, such as DNA walkers, tweezers, logic gates and motors. It is noteworthy that DNA walkers with the advantages of programmability and diverse structures within the micro‐nano scale have attracted intense attention in the field of biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, and genetic diagnosis. DNA walkers are comprised of driving power, walking strands and the tracks. The driving power acts as an external stimulus and the tracks as a platform for the walking strands to move autonomously. Under the specific external stimulus as driving power, such as strand displacement strategies, enzymatic reactions and environmental condition stimulus, DNA walkers could realize the generation and amplification of signals. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensors, combining ECL technology and bio‐identification strategies, exhibit the virtue of high sensitivity, wide linear response range and low background interference. Recently, the construction of DNA walker‐based ECL biosensors can amplify the targets and signals via multiple identification and recycles, achieving ultrasensitive detection for diverse targets. Herein, this review systematically summarizes the construction of different types of DNA walkers and their applications in ECL biosensors. Ultimately, this review summarizes and discusses the prospects for DNA walkers.

Recent advances in DNA-based electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensors

“…57 Whether as a signal or capture probe, the target recognition response in typical DNA-based ECL biosensors typically occurs at the interface. 31 Therefore, new immobilization strategies need to be continuously developed to improve the accessibility, sensitivity, and specificity of DNA probes and the low thermodynamic and kinetic response at the biosensing interface. The method of immobilizing the probe usually depends on the electrode material and the substrate that modifies the electrode surface.…”

“…[26][27][28] In recent years, DNA-based ECL biosensors have attracted significant attention for the ultra-sensitive detection of biomolecules. [29][30][31] This type of biosensor typically uses DNA as a molecular recognition element to capture the target in the sample. 32 By modifying single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or DNA self-assembled nanostructured probe on the surface of the electrode, the DNA probe molecules can selectively hybridize with the target under the appropriate conditions and convert the generated biological signals into detectable chemical signals, thus achieving the purpose of target detection.…”

Fe Single-Atom Carbon Dots Nanozyme Collaborated with Nucleic Acid Exonuclease III-Driven DNA Walker Cascade Amplification Strategy for Circulating Tumor DNA Detection

“…Contemplating that only trace amounts of ctDNA are produced in biological fluids, there are a number of neatly constructed ctDNA sensors focused on isothermal amplification techniques to facilitate assay performance. Lately, cascade amplification can be performed simply and efficiently by the rational design of various DNA molecular machines, which have the advantages of high specificity and sensitivity in biosensing. , Among them, the DNA walker, with its strong mechanical movement ability, has good application potential in biosensors . Zhang et al developed an enzyme-driven DNA walker nematic machine as a rapid assay for the presence of biomarkers.…”

Strategies for Enhancing the Sensitivity of Electrochemiluminescence Biosensors

“…Their significant advantages of portability, high sensitivity, and simple operation promote their further development. Moreover, biosensors can provide fast responses at low costs [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Despite their many merits, the development of biosensors for use in the sensitive and accurate detection of analytes at trace levels with high efficiency and accuracy in complex conditions has represented a critical need in many areas.…”