DNA-sensors based on functionalized conducting polymers and quantum dots

The availability of rapid and specific biosensors is of great importance for many areas of biomedical research and modern biotechnology. This includes a need for DNA sensors where the progress of molecular biology demands routine detection of minute concentrations of specific gene fragments. A promising alternative approach to traditional DNA essays utilizes novel smart materials, including conducting polymers and nanostructured materials such as quantum dots. We have constructed a number of DNA sensors based on smart materials that allow rapid one-step detection of unlabeled DNA fragments with high specificity. These sensors are based on functionalized conducting polymers derived from polypyrrole (PPy) and poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV). PPy based sensors provide intrinsic electrical readout via cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The performance of these sensors is compared to a novel self-assembled monolayer-PNA construct on a gold electrode. Characterization of the novel PNA based sensor shows that it has comparable performance to the PPy based sensors and can also be read out effectively using AC cyclic voltammetry. Complementary to such solid substrate sensors we have developed a novel optical DNA essay based on a new PPV derived cationic conducting polymer. DNA detection in this essay results from sample dependent fluorescence resonance energy transfer changes between the cationic conducting polymer and Cy3 labeled probe oligonucleotides. As an alternative to such fluorochrome based sensors we discuss the use of inorganic nanocrystals ('quantum dots') and present data from water soluble CdTe quantum dots synthesized in an aqueous environment.