Electrochemical biosensing of DNA hybridization by ferrocenyl groups functionalized polypyrrole

We have developed a new material based on polypyrrole functionalized with both ferrocenyl group and DNA probe. We have developed a precursor polymer based on a pyrrole 3-acetic acid and a pyrrole bearing ferrocenyl groups substituted by easy leaving group in which amino-labeled oligonocleotides probe were directly linked. The electrochemical response of the modified electrode was examined both in aqueous and organic media and shows high electroactivity in both media. A large modification of redox activity of ferrocenyl groups was obtained upon addition of ODN target to the electrolytic media, which is determined by amperometric methods. The detection limit of this electrochemical biosensor is about 10(-14) mol without any signal processing. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.