Capacitive DNA sensor for rapid and sensitive detection of whole genome human herpesvirus‐1 dsDNA in serum

Abstract

This work presents a rapid, highly sensitive, low-cost, and specific capacitive DNA sensor for detection of whole genome human herpesvirus-1 DNA. This sensor is capable of direct DNA detection with a response time of 30 s, and it can be used to test standard buffer or serum samples. The sensing approach for DNA detection is based on alternating current (AC) electrokinetics. By applying an inhomogeneous AC electric field on sensor electrodes, positive dielectrophoresis is induced to accelerate DNA hybridization. The same applied AC signal also directly measures the hybridization of target with the probe on the sensor surface. Experiments are conducted to optimize the AC signal, as well as the buffers for probe immobilization and target DNA hybridization. The assay is highly sensitive and specific, with no response to human herpesvirus-2 DNA at 5 ng/mL and a LOD of 1.0 pg/mL (6.5 copies/μL or 10.7 aM) in standard buffer. When testing the double stranded (ds) DNA spiked in human serum samples, the sensor yields a LOD of 20.0 pg/mL (129.5 copies/μL or 0.21 femtomolar (fM)) in neat serum. In this work, the target is whole genome dsDNA, consequently the test can be performed without the use of enzyme or amplification, which considerably simplifies the sensor operation and is highly suitable for point of care disease diagnosis.

Rapid and Sensitive Detection of miRNA Based on AC Electrokinetic Capacitive Sensing for Point-of-Care Applications

“…Previous work demonstrated that the detection of lipopolysaccharides and genomic DNA was more pronounced at 100 kHz [29,30]. Because both were larger than the miRNA-16b tested here, the DEP effect was much more pronounced for enrichment.…”

“…Because both were larger than the miRNA-16b tested here, the DEP effect was much more pronounced for enrichment. Thereby, it was reasonable to have a better response at 10 kHz for miRNA-16b detection due to the dominance of the ACET effect for miRNA enrichment [23,30].…”

Enhancing affinity‐based electroanalytical biosensors by integrated AC electrokinetic enrichment—A mini review

“…Cheng et al. [64] induced positive DEP to accelerate DNA hybridization by applying a nonuniform AC electric field on the sensing electrode and realized the detection of the whole genome DNA of human herpes virus within a response time of 30 s. As common with testing clinical samples, serum samples are diluted with standard buffer prior to testing. The results of two dilution factors were compared.…”

“…Dose response of HSV‐1 DNA serum samples with 1:20 and 1:10 dilution with LOD of 20 pg/mL (129.47 copies/μL or 0.214 fM) in serum with 1:20 dilution. Reprinted with permission from [64], copyright (2017) Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.…”

A highly sensitive aptasensor for on‐site detection of lipopolysaccharides in food

“…ACEK effects accelerate bioparticle movement toward sensing electrodes, leading to significant improvement in sensor responses . Our prior work on the ACEK capacitive sensing of bioparticles demonstrated that interfacial capacitance can effectively detect molecular deposition on the electrodes’ surfaces with high sensitivity and specificity . ACEK consists of three effects, dielectrophoresis (DEP) , alternating current electroosmosis (ACEO) , and alternating current electrothermal (ACET) effect .…”