DNA-induced synthesis of biomimetic enzyme for sensitive detection of superoxide anions released from live cell

In this work, we successfully fabricate a rapid, sensitive sensor for the detection of superoxide anions O(2)˙(−) based on graphene/DNA/Mn(3)(PO(4))(2) biomimetic enzyme. In the design, graphene is served as excellent carrier to improve the catalysis of Mn(3)(PO(4))(2) nanoparticles; and DNA adsorbed on graphene acts as medium to assist the growth of Mn(3)(PO(4))(2) on graphene. The fabricated graphene/DNA/Mn(3)(PO(4))(2) composites exhibit excellently electrochemical activity, significantly decrease the response time and increase the sensitivity of the sensor towards O(2)˙(−). The successful detection of O(2)˙(−) released from cancer cell demonstrated its potential applications in biology and medicine.