A novel spin-based label-free electrochemical dna hybridization biosensor and its applications for dengue virus detection

In this study, we have rationally constructed a spin-based label-free DNA hybridization sensor employing the spin-polarized electrons as a tool of detection. Recent research, that takes into account chiral-induced spin selectivity, has demonstrated colossal spin filtering by DNA at room temperature. Traditional DNA hybridization sensors use electronic(charge) current to probe the hybridization of double-strand (ds)-DNA. The benefit of the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS)-based DNA sensor lies in the direct probe of hybridization through its symmetry present in the secondary structure of ds-DNA. To this end, a self-assembled monolayer of DNA was prepared on Au-coated Ni devices and hybridization phenomena were investigated using differential pulse voltammetry. The accuracy of the CISS-based hybridization sensor was tested using additional complementary techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, FTIR, and XPS, and the same method was successfully employed to detect the Dengue virus as well. With a limit of detection of up to 0.12 picomolar (pM), the results are reliable and repeatable. The current approach opens up new possibilities for developing spin-based point-of-care devices in the future.

Automated summary

In this study, a spin-based label-free DNA hybridization sensor was developed using spin-polarized electrons as a detection tool. The sensor takes advantage of chiral-induced spin selectivity to directly probe the hybridization of DNA. A self-assembled monolayer of DNA was prepared on Au-coated Ni devices, and the hybridization phenomena were investigated using differential pulse voltammetry. The accuracy of the sensor was tested using complementary techniques, and it was successfully applied for detecting the Dengue virus with a limit of detection of 0.12 picomolar (pM). This approach opens up new possibilities for future spin-based point-of-care devices.