Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs),
insertion/deletion (indel)
polymorphisms, and DNA methylation are the most frequent types of
genetic variations. As such, DNA polymorphisms play significant roles
in genetic mapping and diagnostics. Thus, analytical methods enabling
DNA polymorphism detection will provide an invaluable means for early
disease diagnosis. However, no single electrochemical nucleic acid-based
sensor has achieved the detection of the three major polymorphisms
(SNPs, indel polymorphisms, and DNA methylation) with sufficient specificity
and sensitivity. In response, we explore the utilization of a catalytic
reaction between methylene blue (MB) covalently linked to surface-bound
nucleic acid and freely diffusing ferricyanide (Fe(CN)6
3–) to improve specificity and sensitivity of DNA
polymorphism detection. We find that the dynamics of the nucleic acid
tether is an additional rate-limiting factor for the electrocatalytic
reaction, in addition to the more traditional kinetic and excess factors.
Our proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate that the use of electrocatalysis
enables differentiation of the three polymorphisms when target sequences
are present at 10 nM. We hypothesize that this ability is a result
of the distinct dynamics of the DNA probe with each respective polymorphism.
In addition to the specificity the sensor displays, the sensor achieves
a 20 pM limit of detection. We believe that the electrocatalysis between
nucleic acid-tethered MB and Fe(CN)6
3– is highly promising for electrochemical nucleic acid-based sensors
to achieve better specificity and sensitivity.