DNA-based biosensor for the detection of strong damage to DNA by the quinazoline derivative as a potential anticancer agent

A disposable electrochemical DNA-based biosensor was developed and applied as a screening device to detect an effect of a synthetically prepared quinazoline derivative on the surface-attached double stranded calf thymus DNA. Screen-printed carbon electrodes without and with multi-walled carbon nanotubes interface served as the signal transducer. The quinazoline interaction with DNA was investigated voltammetrically using DNA-bound electrochemical indicators such as [Co(phen)(3)](3+), [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+), methylene blue, the K-3[Fe(CN)(6)] complex present in the solution phase as well as by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A severe damage to DNA at the incubation of the biosensor in quinazoline solution was found which leads to the loss of DNA from the electrode surface. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to verify the results.