DNA walker induced ?signal off? electrochemical cytosensor strategy for ultrasensitive detection of tumor cells

The fragments of molecular motors can be transported and operated autonomously along a track. Most molecular walker systems are assembled from DNA building modules, exhibiting great potential applications in biocomputing, drug transport, sensing, etc. Hereby, we report a DNA walker driven by endonuclease Nt.BbvC I that can autonomously induce signal off sensing platform for highly sensitive detection of tumor cells. DNA density and trajectory conformation can affect DNA walker properties. Molybdenum selenide@gold nanoparticles (MoSe2@AuNPs) are modified on the electrode surface as a scaffold to accommodate more hairpin probe (H1) and provide a good interface for DNA walking. Magnetic beads are used to enrich target tumor cells, release single-stranded DNA (S1) and trigger DNA walker-based amplification strategy. Upon addition of tumor cells, more DNA-methylene blue (DNA-MB) is cracked from the electrode surface. Benefiting from efficient electrode modification, magnetic enrichment, DNA walker and enzyme-assisted amplification, an ultra-high sensitivity electrochemical cell analysis is realized, with a detection limit of 2 cells mL-1. More importantly, this DNA walker strategy is available for tumor cell analysis in clinical samples, suggesting the potential diagnostic applications.

Automated summary

This study reports a DNA walker driven by endonuclease Nt.BbvC I for highly sensitive detection of tumor cells. By modifying the electrode surface and using magnetic beads, an ultra-high sensitivity electrochemical cell analysis is achieved.