Distinct Detection of Ganoderma Boninense On Metal Oxides-Gold Nanoparticle Composite Deposited Interdigitated Electrode DNA sensor

Abstract

Oil palms suffer severe losses due to Ganoderma boninense infection that causes Basal Stem Rot (BSR). The available detection measuring the severity of BSR disease have not proved satisfactory output. Due to the influence of oil palm industry in country's economy, effective and efficient means of diagnostic measure is mandatory. Among the available diagnostic tools, biosensors were redeemed to yield the most rapid and selective results. To overcome the current issues, herein Interdigitated Electrode (IDE) electrochemical DNA biosensor to detect Ganoderma boninense was successfully designed and fabricated by thermal deposition. Lift-off photolithography fabrication process was applied followed by the surface chemical functionalization via seed deposition. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) were overlaid and the functionalized metal oxides IDE surfaces were used to detect DNA sequence complementation from Ganoderma boninense. Furthermore, gold nanoparticles were doped to increase the surface to volume ratio and enhance biocompatibility. Characterizations were made by validating the sensor's topology characteristics and electrical characteristics. From the results recorded, it has been justified that IDE with ZnO doped with gold nanoparticles surface serves as an excellent DNA sensor for the detection of Ganoderma boninense with a remarkable current of 290 nA and 176 nA for immobilization and hybridization respectively.