Direct detection of DNA below ppb level based on thionin-functionalized layered MoS2 electrochemical sensors.

A layered MoS2-thionin composite was prepared by sonicating their mixture in an ionic liquid and gradient centrifugation. Because DNA is rarely present in single-stranded form, either naturally or after PCR amplification, the composite was used for fabrication of a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) electrochemical biosensor due to stable electrochemical response, intercalation, and electrostatic interaction of thionin with DNA. The linear range over dsDNA concentration from 0.09 ng mL(-1) to 1.9 ng mL(-1) is obtained, and moreover, it is suitable for the detection of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The biosensor has been applied to the detection of circulating DNA from healthy human serum, and satisfactory results have been obtained. The constructed DNA electrochemical biosensor shows potential application in the fields of bioanalysis and clinic diagnosis. Furthermore, this work proposes a new method to construct electrochemical biosensors based on MoS2 sheets.