Homogeneous detection of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine based on electrochemiluminescence quenching of g-C3N4/MoS2 nanosheets by ferrocenedicarboxylic acid polymer.

A sensitively homogeneous electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method was developed for 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) detection using TiO2/MoS2/g-C3N4/GCE as substrate electrode, where g-C3N4 was employed as the ECL active material, the MoS2 nanosheets were used as co-catalyst, and TiO2 was adopted as phosphate group capture reagent. To achieve the specific recognition and capture of 5hmC, the covalent reaction between -CH2OH and -SH was employed under the catalysis of HhaI methyltransferase, in which, -SH functionalized ferrocenedicarboxylic acid polymer (PFc-SH) was prepared as 5hmC capture reagent and ECL signal quencher. Then, based on the interaction between TiO2 and phosphate group of 5hmC, the target was recognized and captured on electrode, resulting in a decreased ECL response due to the quenching effect of PFc-SH. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor presented the linear range from 0.01 to 500 nM with the detection limit of 3.21 pM (S/N = 3). The steric effect on electrode surface is a bottle-neck issue restricting devised biosensors advancement. In this work, the reaction between 5hmC and PFc was carried out in the solution, which can avoid steric effect on electrode surface to keep the high activity of enzyme. In addition, the biosensor was successfully applied to detect 5hmC in genomic DNA of chicken embryo fibroblast cells and different tissues of rice seedlings.

Photoelectrochemical assay for DNA hydroxymethylation determination based on the inhibited photoactivity of black TiO2 nanosphere by ZnO.

A photoelectrochemical method was proposed for DNA hydroxymethylation determination using black TiO2 (B-TiO2) nanosphere as photoactive material and ZnO as photoactivity inhibitor. After hydroxymethylated DNA (5hmC-DNA) was captured on the probe modified B-TiO2/ITO electrode surface through hybridization, a glycosyl can be then transferred from uridine diphosphoglucose to 5hmC-DNA and formed a covalent structure with -CH2OH in the presence of T4 ß-glucosyltransferase (ß-GT). Afterwards, based on a series of covalent reaction, amino functionalized ZnO nanoparticles are further immobilized to the surface of the electrode. Due to the capacity to expend the irradiation light and the photogenerated electron of electron donor, the modified ZnO nanoparticles can result in a decreased photocurrent. The developed method shows wide linear ranges from 0.05-200 nM for hydroxymethylated DNA and 1-220 unit·mL-1 for T4-ß-glucosyltransferase. The corresponding determination limits were 0.013 nM and 0.24 unit·mL-1, respectively. The enzyme activity inhibited by 4-phenylimidazole was evaluated. This photoelectrochemical method shows high specificity for 5hmC-DNA (compared to 5fC, 5mC, m6A, control) and ß-GT (compared to ß-AGT, UGT2B7), and shows excellent stability for testing 5hmC (RSD = 2.75%). Graphical abstractSchematic representation of photoelectrochemical method for DNA hydroxymethylation and ß-glucosyltransferase detection based on the glycosylation reaction of -CH2OH in 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and the inhibition activity of ZnO to the photoactivity of black TiO2 nanospheres.

Electrochemiluminescence biosensor for DNA hydroxymethylation detection based on enzyme-catalytic covalent bonding reaction of -CH2OH and thiol functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic beads.

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5 hmC) is a novel epigenetic modification that plays an important role in mammalian nuclear reprogramming, regulation of gene activity, and initiation of DNA demethylation. In this paper, an electrochemiluminescence sensor was constructed for 5 hmC detection based on thiol functional Fe3O4 magnetic beads and covalent chemical reaction of -CH2OH in 5 hmC. First, Fe3O4 magnetic beads were prepared and modified with thiol. Then, 5 hmC was captured on the surface of the magnetic beads by the reaction between -CH2OH of 5 hmC and -SH of the thiol-functionalized Fe3O4 under the catalysis of DNA methyltransferase (M. HhaI). After that, through a series of reactions, phos-tag-biotin, avidin, and bis(hexafluorophosphate) (Ru (bpy)2 (phen-5-NH2) (PF6)2) (Ru) were further successively immobilized on the surface of the magnetic beads. More importantly, these reactions were carried out in a solution to ensure the activity of the biomolecules, and further to ensure that the reaction proceeded sufficiently. Finally, an ECL signal was generated by the introduction of Ru. The concentration of 5 hmC presented a good linear relationship with the ECL signal intensity in the range of 0.01-500 nM, and the detection limit was 2.86 pM. Moreover, we also used this method to study the 5 hmC content change in rice seedlings treated with antibiotics and heavy metal composite pollutants, and in chicken embryo fibroblast cell infected with and without avian leukosis virus subgroup J.

Photoelectrochemical biosensor for 5hmC detection based on the photocurrent inhibition effect of ZnO on MoS2/C3N4 heterojunction.

A novel photoelectrochemical biosensor was fabricated for 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) detection based on the photocurrent inhibition effect of ZnO on MoS2/C3N4 heterojunction. Firstly, the ITO electrode was modified successively with MoS2 and g-C3N4 as photoelectric materials to deliver a strong photocurrent response. Next, the 5-hydroxymethyl group (-CH2OH) of 5hmC was oxidized by KRuO4 to produce an aldehyde group (-CHO), where 5hmC was converted into 5-formylcytosine (5fC). Based on the covalent reaction with between -CHO of 5fC and -NH2 groups of g-C3N4, 5fC can be captured on electrode surface. Finally, the ZnO-PAMAM composite was covalently attached to the phosphate group of the immobilized 5fC, which could decrease the electron transfer amount of g-C3N4 to MoS2, absorption of light and consumption of electron donors thereby resulting the decrease of photocurrent. Under optimal conditions, the photocurrent shows a linear relationship with the logarithm value of 5hmC concentration from 0.01-200 nM with a low detection limit of 2.6 pM. Moreover, this method was selective and allowed to discriminate between 5hmC and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in DNA. Finally, the photoelectrochemical biosensor was successfully applied to investigate the effect of heavy metal ion and phytohormones on 5hmC expression in rice seedlings leaves.

Photoelectrochemical biosensor for microRNA detection based on a MoS2/g-C3N4/black TiO2 heterojunction with Histostar@AuNPs for signal amplification.

Herein, a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was developed for the ultrasensitive detection of microRNA-396a based on a MoS2/g-C3N4/black TiO2 heterojunction as the photoactive material and gold nanoparticles carrying Histostar antibodies (Histostar@AuNPs) for signal amplification. Briefly, MoS2/g-C3N4/black TiO2 was deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface, after which gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and probe DNA were assembled on the modified electrode. Hybridization with miRNA-396a resulted in a rigid DNA: RNA hybrid being formed, which was recognized by the S9.6 antibody. The captured antibody can further conjugate with the secondary IgG antibodies of Histostar@AuNPs, thereby leading to the immobilization of horse radish peroxidase (HRP). In the presence of HRP, the oxidation of 4-chloro-1-naphthol (4-CN) by H2O2 was accelerated, producing the insoluble product benzo-4-chlorohexadienone on the electrode surface and causing a significant decrease in the photocurrent. The developed biosensor could detect miRNA-396a at concentrations from 0.5 fM to 5000 fM, with a detection limit of 0.13 fM. Further, the proposed method can also be used to investigate the effect of heavy metal ions on the expression level of miRNAs. Results suggest that the biosensor developed herein offers a promising platform for the ultrasensitive detection of miRNA.

Photoelectrochemical biosensor for hydroxymethylated DNA detection and T4-ß-glucosyltransferase activity assay based on WS2 nanosheets and carbon dots.

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) plays an important role in switching genes on and off in mammals, and it is implicated in both embryonic development and cancer progression. Herein, a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was developed for 5hmC detection based on WS2 nanosheets as the photoactive material and boronic acid functionalized carbon dots (B-CDs) for signal amplification unit. This biosensor can also be used for T4-ß-glucosyltransferase (ß-GT) activity assessment. Firstly, WS2 nanosheets and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were immobilized on an ITO electrode surface. Then probe DNA was immobilized on this electrode surface via Au-S bond. Afterwards, the complementary DNA containing 5hmC was then captured on the modified electrode surface by hybridization. Subsequently, ß-GT transferred glucose from uridine diphosphoglucose to the hydroxyl groups of the 5hmC residues. After glycosylation, B-CDs could further be immobilized on the modified electrode surface resulting in a strong photocurrent. The PEC biosensor afforded high selectivity, excellent sensitivity and good reproducibility, with detection limits of 0.0034 nM and 0.028 unit/mL for 5hmC and ß-GT, respectively. Results demonstrate that the photoelectrochemical strategy introduced here based on WS2 nanosheets and B-CDs offers a versatile platform for hydroxymethylated DNA detection, ß-GT activity assessment and ß-GT inhibitor screening.

Photoelectrochemical determination of the activity of protein kinase A by using g-C3N4 and CdS quantum dots.

A sensitive and selective photoelectrochemical (PEC) method is described for the detection of protein kinase A (PKA) activity based on the use of graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and the CdS quantum dots (QDs). Firstly, a complex was synthesized from g-C3N4 and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). It was employed as both the PEC-active material and as a support for immobilization of peptides. The latter were assembled on an ITO electrode modified with g-C3N4-AuNPs and subsequently phosphorylated by PKA in the presence of adenosine 5'-[γ-thio]triphosphate (ATP-S). Finally, CdS quantum dots (QDs) were introduced on the ITO in order to increase the PEC response of g-C3N4 based on the Cd-S binding between the QDs and thiol groups. Under the optimal conditions and a typical working voltage of -0.3 V, the method has a dynamic range that extends from 0.05 to 50 unit·mL-1, with a 0.017 unit·mL-1 lower detection limit. The method was successfully applied to the quantification of the inhibitory effect of ellagic acid on the activity of PKA, and to monitor enzyme activity in cell lysates. Graphical abstract Schematic of a sensitive and selective photoelectrochemical biosensor for the detection of protein kinase A activity. It is based on the use of graphite-like carbon nitride and CdS quantum dots.

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheet-based photoelectrochemical aptasensing of chloramphenicol.

A method is described for photoelectrochemical determination of chloramphenicol (CLOA). It is based on the use of (a) aptamers protected with photoactive WS2 nanosheets, and (b) DNase I-assisted target recycling. The DNA aptamer without label was employed for recognition of CLOA. In the absence of CLOA, the aptamer is adsorbed on the surface of WS2. This leads to a decrease of photocurrent due to the steric-hindrance effect of aptamer DNA. The adsorption of WS2 also protects the aptamer from digestion by DNase. In the presence of CLOA, the aptamer will be desorbed from the WS2 surface due to formation of an aptamer/CLOA conjugate. This results in an increased photocurrent due to a decreased amount of aptamer DNA on the electrode surface. The increase of photocurrent can be further improved by applying DNase triggered catalytic recycling of CLOA. Under optimal experimental conditions, the response is linear 10 pM - 10 nM CLOA concentration range, with a 3.6 pM lower detection limit (at 3σ). This method is acceptably selective, accurate and stable. It was applied to the determination of CLOA in spiked milk samples and gave satisfactory results. Graphical abstract A simple and sensitive photoelectrochemical apta-biosensor was fabricated for chloramphenicol detection. In this work, WS2 nanosheets were employed as photoactive material, and DNase I catalytic chloramphenicol recycling strategy was adopted to amplify the detection signal.

Electrochemical aptasensors for zeatin detection based on MoS2 nanosheets and enzymatic signal amplification.

A simple and sensitive electrochemical aptasensor was constructed for zeatin detection, where MoS2 nanosheets were used as the immobilization matrix for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and AuNPs were employed as the immobilization matrix to probe DNA. After the aptamer DNA and assist DNA hybridized with probe DNA, Y-type DNA can be formed with two biotins at the terminals of aptamer DNA. Then, avidin modified alkaline phosphatase (Avidin-ALP) can be further modified on the electrode surface through the biotin and avidin interaction. Under the catalytic effect of ALP, p-nitrophenylphosphate disodium (PNPP) can be hydrolyzed to produce p-nitrophenol (PNP). However, in the presence of zeatin, the formed Y-type DNA can be destroyed due to the formation of the zeatin-aptamer conjugate, which further reduces the amount of PNP and leads to the decrease of the oxidation signal of PNP. Under the optimum conditions, the change of the oxidation peak current of PNP was inversely proportional to the logarithm value of zeatin concentration in the range of 50 pM-50 nM. The detection limit was calculated to be 16.6 pM. This electrochemical method also showed good detection selectivity and stability. The potential applicability of this method was proved by detecting zeatin in real samples.