DNA electrochemical biosensors for environmental monitoring. A review

2nd Workshop on Biosensors and Biological Techniques in Environmental Analysis -- SEP 11-13, 1996 -- LUND, SWEDENWOS: A1997XQ51300002DNA sensing protocols, based on different modes of nucleic acid interaction, possess an enormous potential for environmental monitoring. This review describes recent efforts aimed at coupling nucleic acid recognition layers with electrochemical transducers. It considers DNA hybridization sensors for sequences related to microbial or viral pathogens, and DNA-modified carbon electrodes for monitoring low molecular weight priority pollutants interacting with the surface-confined DNA. Carbon strip or paste electrode transducers, supporting the DNA recognition layer, are used with a highly sensitive chronopotentiometric transduction of the DNA analyte recognition event. Factors influencing the performance of these new environmental biosensors are discussed, and their environmental utility is illustrated. While the use of DNA biosensors is at a very early stage, these and similar developments are expected to have a profound effect on environmental analysis.Int Assoc Environm Anal Chem, Univ Lund, Dept Anal Chem, Swedish Chem Soc, Anal Di