Electrochemical sensing of DNA using gold nanoparticles

The electrochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have led to their widespread use as DNA labels. This fact has improved the design strategies for the electrochemical detection of DNA through hybridization event monitoring. The reported DNA hybridization detection modes are based on either AuNP detection after dissolving or the direct detection of the AuNP/DNA conjugates anchored onto the genosensor surface. Various enhancement strategies have been reported so as to improve the detection limit. Most are based on catalytic deposition of silver onto AuNP. Other strategies based on the use of AuNPs as carrier/amplifier of other labels will be also revised. The developed techniques are characterized by sensitivities and specificities that enable further applications of the developed DNA sensors in several fields. © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.