Detection of DNA/DNA hybridization by electrogenerated chemiluminescence

Abstract

Oligonucleotides labelled at 5′ with Ru(bpy)₃ were hybridized to complementary DNA that had been previously immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode by anodic oxidation. The hybrids emitted detectable electrogenerated chemiluminescence upon application of 10–50 ms pulse(s) of 2.3 V. Pre-accumulation of the Ru(bpy)₃ label at the electrode was found to enhance light emission as compared to the label in free solution. Since the intensity of the emitted light was greatly influenced by the electrode material, gold, platinum, and various carbon based materials (glassy carbon, graphite, carbon fibre, and composite plastic/carbon materials) were tested. The light generated at glassy carbon electrodes resulted at least two orders of magnitude higher than any other material tested.

Keywords:

• Nucleic acids
• ECL
• Electrochemiluminescence
• Ruthenium

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Giuseppe Firrao *

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