AC methods for the detection of nucleic acids
The invention relates to nucleic acids covalently coupled to electrodes via conductive oligomers. More particularly, the invention is directed to the site-selective modification of nucleic acids with electron transfer moieties and electrodes to produce a new class of biomaterials, and to methods of making and using them.
1. A composition for detecting a target nucleic acid, comprising:
a) a first and second electrode, wherein said first electrode comprises a monolayer comprising a spacer, wherein said spacer is covalently attached to a single stranded nucleic acid; and
b) an AC/DC voltage source electrically connected to said first and second electrodes.
2. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein said spacer comprises an insulator.
3. A composition according to claim 2 , wherein said insulator comprises an alkyl group.
4. A composition according to claim 3 , wherein said alkyl group is linear.
5. A composition according to claim 3 , wherein said alkyl group is branched.
6. A composition according to claim 2 , wherein said insulator comprises ethylene glycol.
7. A composition according to claim 1 , further comprising a second single stranded nucleic acid covalently attached to an electron transfer moiety.
8. A composition according to claim 7 , wherein said electron transfer moiety is a transition metal complex.
9. A composition according to claim 8 , wherein said transition metal complex comprises ferrocene.
10. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said spacer is a conductive oligomer.
11. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein said monolayer comprises conductive oligomers.
12. A composition according to claim 1 , further comprising c) a processor coupled to said electrodes.
13. A composition according to claim 1 , wherein said AC source is capable of delivering frequencies from between about 1 Hz to about 100 kHz.