Covalent self-assembly of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles for detecting DNA sequences of genetically modified corn

Abstract

A biosensor by a covalent self-assembly process was constructed to detect the DNA sequences of genetically modified corn based on electrochemical detection. This novel detection system consisted of the sulfhydryl- functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, DNA sequences and gold electrodes. The self-assembly processes and DNA detection were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and different pulse voltammetry. The results showed that the DNA biosensor offered a higher selectivity and sensitivity with the detection limit of 4.03 × 10-10 mol/L. Moreover, the biosensor has great potential to provide a general method for detecting DNA sequences of many other genetically modified organisms.