Easy amino-group modification of graphene using intermolecular forces for DNA biosensing

Abstract

We demonstrated an easy and efficient approach to produce amino-group-functionalized graphene (G-NH₂) for highly sensitive DNA biosensing through intermolecular interaction. The nucleotide molecules prefer to anchor onto the as-prepared G-NH₂ surface rather than be immobilized on pristine graphene. The electrostatic interaction between the positive charges of the ionized amino on G-NH₂ and the negative charges of phosphate groups on nucleotide chains enabled label-free probe DNA to be immobilized on the G-NH₂ surface. The electrochemical performance and quality variations during the preparation of G-NH₂ and nucleotide immobilization processes were determined by electrochemical measurements and quartz crystal microbalance in situ, respectively. Results showed that complementary target DNA could be hybridized with probe DNA within the concentration range of 0.1 nM to 200 nM, and the detection limit was 0.8 nM. Therefore, this kind of G-NH₂ could be an alternative for DNA biosensing.