DNA Redox Hydrogels: Improving Mediated Enzymatic Bioelectrocatalysis

We present the preparation of a redox DNA hydrogel for mediated bioelectrocatalysis of oxidoreductase enzymes for biosensor and biofuel cell applications. The noncovalent functionalization of DNA with redox molecules is achieved by intercalation of aromatic redox probes into the DNA double helix or electrostatic binding of redox-active tetraalkylammonium ions to phosphate groups on DNA. Prepared DNA redox hydrogels demonstrate the capability of mediating bioelectrocatalytic glucose oxidation by oxidoreductase enzymes. This is the first evidence that redox DNA hydrogels can replace redox polymer hydrogels for self-exchange based mediation for bioelectrocatalytic applications. This study contributes toward advances in the use of DNA, an emerging biomaterial, in enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis-based applications.