Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Based on DNA hybridization, the label-free electrical detection technology offers an important way to obtain a high sensitivity, strong specificity, high reliability, micro-portable and low-cost electrochemical DNA biochip. A carrier material with excellent physico-chemical characteristics plays a crucial role on highly efficient and stable transfer of the bioelectrical signals in the DNA biochip systems.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate and summarize the research progress in carrier materials of label-free electrochemical DNA biochip using transparent conductive oxide films, and to prospect its development trends.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of Elsevier and APS full-text databases was performed for articles and reviews published between 2001 and 2010 using the key words of “Electrochemical DNA biochip/biosensor; Label-free electrical detection; Carrier materials; Transparent conductive oxide films”. Researches about carrier materials of the label-free electrochemical DNA biochip using transparent conductive oxide films were included. Irrelevant or repetitive articles were excluded.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Transparent conductive oxide films can be used as new carrier materials of the label-free electrochemical DNA biochip by functionalized modification. Compared with other types of the film carrier materials, it was one of the ideal carrier materials of the label-free electrochemical DNA biochip due to superior electrical properties, chemical stability, good biocompatibility, and simple preparation process. However, it was still in preliminary research, so future study should focus on the effects of physico-chemical characteristics of the transparent conductive oxide film carrier materials on detection sensitivity, specificity, reliability of the bioelectrical signals. As a result, the electron transfer mechanism of the bioelectrical signals on the carrier materials and their interface with biomolecules can be obtained.