Metallointercalated-DNA Nanotubes as Functional Light Antenna for Organic Photoelectrochemical Transistor Biosensor with Minimum Background

Organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) biosensor with a removed background is desired but remains challenging. So far, scientists still lack a solution to this issue. The light-matter interplay is expected to achieve an advanced OPECT with unknown possibilities. Here, we address this challenge by tailoring a unique heterogeneous light antenna as the functional gating module and its cascade interaction with a proper channel, which is exemplified by bioinduced [Ru(bpy)2dppz](2+)-intercalated DNA nanotubes (NTs)/NiO heterojunction and its modulation against a diethylenetriamine-treated poly(ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) channel. Light stimulation of the antenna can generate the obvious cathodic photocurrent and, hence, modulate the channel, accomplishing OPECT with a minimal background and the hitherto highest current gain of 19 000. Linking with nucleic acid hybridization using microRNA-155 as the representative target, the device achieves sensitive biosensing down to 5.0 fM.

Automated summary

Scientists have been seeking a solution for developing an organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) biosensor with a removed background, but this challenge remains. However, by tailoring a unique heterogeneous light antenna as the functional gating module and its cascade interaction with a proper channel, we have successfully addressed this issue. This achievement resulted in an OPECT with minimal background and the highest current gain of 19,000.