Detection of Breast Cancer 1 (BRCA1) Gene Using an Electrochemical DNA Biosensor Based on Immobilized ZnO Nanowires

Abstract

Herein we report an electrochemical DNA biosensor for the rapid detection of sequence (5' AAT GGA TTT ATC TGC TCT TCG 3') specific for the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene. The proposed electrochemical genosensor is based on short oligonucleotide DNA probe immobilized onto zinc oxide nanowires (ZnONWs) chemically synthesized onto gold electrode via hydrothermal technique. The morphology studies of the ZnONWs, performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), showed that the ZnO nanowires are uniform, highly dense and oriented perpendicularly to the substrate. Recognition event between the DNA probe and the target was investigated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in 0.1 M acetate buffer solution (ABS), pH 7.00; as a result of the hybridization, an oxidation signal was observed at +0.8 V. The influences of pH, target concentration, and non-complimentary DNA on biosensor performance were examined. The proposed DNA biosensor has the ability to detect the target sequence in the range of concentration between 10.0 and 100.0 µM with a detection limit of 3.32 µM. The experimental results demonstrated that the prepared ZnONWs/Au electrodes are suitable platform for the immobilization of DNA.

Graphene oxide–metal nanocomposites for cancer biomarker detection

“…The attachment of mNPs onto G-rGO resulted in improved electrochemical properties leading to better biosensor efficacy for cancer diagnostics compared to those reported in literature [Table S4 †]. [49][50][51] The lower impedance response of the BPE derived composites compared to those of derived chemically was due to uniform coverage of ultrane mNPs on G-rGO nanosheets, which enhanced electrochemical charge transfer. In addition, some of the residues of phytochemicals used in green reduction mentioned in Scheme S1 (ESI †) exhibited enhanced charge transfer properties leading to a decreased impedance signal.…”

Recent Lipid Membrane-Based Biosensing Platforms

“…A ZnO NWs/Au electrode was constructed by immobilizing DNA for the fast detection of breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene [90]. This DNA biosensor was able to detect the target sequence in the concentration range between 10.0 and 100.0 µM, with a detection limit of 3.32 µM.…”

Non-Invasive Breast Cancer Diagnosis through Electrochemical Biosensing at Different Molecular Levels

“…Table 1 summarizes all the reported approaches involving electrochemical genosensors for circulating breast cancer genetic biomarkers. Most common gene mutations—all associated with the activation of breast cancer cells—imply BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53 genes [ 1 ].…”

“…It encodes the BRCA1 protein involved in the prevention of fast and uncontrolled growth of cells. Mutations in this gene make the BRCA1 protein unable to repair damaged DNA leading in this way cells to grow uncontrollably and form tumors [ 1 ]. Indeed, mutations in the BRCA1 gene are responsible for approximately 40% of inherited breast cancer and specific mutations such as the BRCA1 5382insC mutation increase by 10 times the risk of getting breast cancer [ 1 , 2 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Breast cancer is one of the three most common invasive cancers in females and one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women worldwide. Since distant metastases are regarded as the major reason of death, early diagnosis becomes vital for improving this cancer type survival rate [ 1 , 2 ].…”