Electrochemical sensor using intercalative, redox-active moieties

US6461820B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · US

Inventors

• Jacqueline K. Barton · New York, US
• Michael G. Hill · San Jose, US
• Shana O. Kelley · Toronto, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 29, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 29, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B82Y30/00
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Compositions and methods for electrochemical detection and localization of genetic point mutations and other base-stacking perturbations within oligonucleotide duplexes adsorbed onto electrodes and their use in biosensing technologies are described. An intercalative, redox-active moiety (such as an intercalator or nucleic acid-binding protein) is adhered and/or crosslinked to immobilized DNA duplexes at different separations from an electrode and probed electrochemically in the presence or absence of a non-intercalative, redox-active moiety. Interruptions in DNA-mediated electron-transfer caused by base-stacking perturbations, such as mutations or binding of a protein to its recognition site are reflected in a difference in electrical current, charge and/or potential.