TY - JOUR A1 - Riedel, Marc A1 - Kartchemnik, Julia A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef A1 - Lisdat, Fred T1 - Impedimetric DNA detection – steps forward to sensorial application JF - Analytical chemistry N2 - This study describes a label-free impedimetric sensor based on short ssDNA recognition elements for the detection of hybridization events. We concentrate on the elucidation of the influence of target length and recognition sequence position on the sensorial performance. The impedimetric measurements are performed in the presence of the redox system ferri-/ferrocyanide and show an increase in charge transfer resistance upon hybridization of ssDNA to the sensor surface. Investigations on the impedimetric signal stability demonstrate a clear influence of the buffers used during the sensor preparation and the choice of the passivating mercaptoalcanol compound. A stable sensor system has been developed, enabling a reproducible detection of 25mer target DNA in the low nanomolar range. After hybridization, a sensor regeneration can be reached with deionized water by adjustment of effective convection conditions, ensuring a sensor reusability. By investigations of longer targets with overhangs exposed to the solution, we can demonstrate applicability of the impedimetric detection for longer ssDNA. However, a decreasing charge transfer resistance change (ΔRct) is found by extending the overhang. As a strategy to increase the impedance change for longer target strands, the position of the recognition sequence can be designed in a way that a small overhang is exposed to the electrode surface. This is found to result in an increase in the relative Rct change. These results suggest that DNA and consequently negative charge near the electrode possess a larger impact on the impedimetric signal than DNA further away. Y1 - 2014 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ac501800q SN - 1520-6882 (E-Journal); 0003-2700 (Print); 0096-4484 (Print) VL - 86 (2014) IS - 15 SP - 7867 EP - 7874 PB - ACS Publications CY - Columbus ER -