Electrochemical uranyl biosensor with DNA oligonucleotides as receptor layer

The feasibility of using gold electrodes modified with short-chain ssDNA oligonucleotides for determination of uranyl cation is examined. Interaction between UO(2)(2+) and proposed recognition layer was studied by means of voltammetric and quartz crystal microbalance measurements. It was postulated that ssDNA recognition layer functions via strong binding of UO(2)(2+) to phosphate DNA backbone. The methylene blue was used as a redox marker for analytical signal generation. Biosensor response was based on the difference in electrochemical signal before and after subjecting it to sample containing uranyl ion. The lower detection limit of 30 nmol L(−1) for UO(2)(2+) was observed for a sample incubation time of 60 min. Proposed ssDNA-modified electrodes demonstrated good selectivity towards UO(2)(2+) against common metal cations, with only Pb(2+) and Ca(2+) showing considerable interfering effect.