Polymer-DNA hybrids as electrochemical probes for the detection of DNA.

The syntheses of several norbornene block copolymers containing oligonucleotide and ferrocenyl side chains and their use in the electrochemical detection of DNA are described. Two kinds of DNA-containing block copolymers with either ferrocenyl or dibromoferrocenyl groups were prepared via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Based on these two distinct ferrocene derivatives, a triblock copolymer labeling strategy was developed. With this strategy, the identity of DNA target can be determined by the E1/2s of the ferrocenyl moieties and the ratio of peak currents. These polymers exhibit predictable and tailorable electrochemical properties, high DNA duplex stability, and unusually sharp melting transitions, which are highly desirable characteristics for DNA detection applications. Significantly, single-base mismatches could be easily detected using two distinct block copolymers as dual-channel detection probes in an electrochemical DNA detection format.