Voltammetric procedure for examining DNA-modified surfaces: Quantitation, cationic binding activity, and electron-transfer kinetics

To examine DNA-modified surfaces, we have developed a simple, convenient, and reliable procedure based on the voltammetric response of multiply charged transition metal cations (such as [Ru(NH3)(6)](3+)) bound electrostatically to the DNA probes. At micromolar concentrations of the redox molecules in the electrolyte, the reduction and oxidation waves resulting from the immobilized cations on DNA-modified electrodes are well defined, stable, and reproducible. The surface densities of both single- and double-stranded oligonucleotides were accurately determined by integration of the peak for reduction of [Ru(NH3)(6)](3+) to [Ru(NH3)(6)](2+). In addition, the binding constant and electron-transfer rate constant of [Ru(NH3)(6)](3+) on DNA-modified electrodes were evaluated with the help of classical models. The present research provides not only an applicable and simple protocol for the quantitation of DNA probes on chips but also a versatile and powerful tool for the investigation of the binding activity and electron-transfer kinetics of cationic analytes on DNA-modified surfaces.