Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 44 (3), P. 377 - 381, 2006<br />
<br />
<br />
RAPID ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION OF SINGLE AND<br />
DOUBLE NUCLEOTIDE MISMATCHES (MUTATIONS) OF<br />
SEQUENCES FROM HIV SAMPLES<br />
Received 15 April 2005<br />
Tran Dai Lam , Bui Tien Trinh2, Nguyen Duc Chien2<br />
1<br />
<br />
1<br />
Faculty of Chemical Technology, Hanoi University of Technology (HUT)<br />
2<br />
International Training Institute for Materials Science, HUT<br />
<br />
SUMMARY<br />
For the first time, the detection of DNA sequences, related to HIV (found in AIDS patients),<br />
using Methylene Blue (MB) as the redox indicator was performed. The voltametric signals have<br />
been investigated on bared chitosan (CS) modified; probe immobilized (DNA single strand) and<br />
target-hybridized (DNA double strand) electrodes sequentially by means of Cyclic Voltammetry<br />
(CV) and Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV). The response of hybridization between the probe and<br />
perfectly complementary, double-base mismatch, single-base mismatch of analyzed targets were<br />
clearly identified. The response of CS modified electrode with non-complementary target<br />
sequence and the response of CS-free electrode (adsorption only) with complementary target<br />
were used as control references to confirm whether the detected signals correspond trully to the<br />
hybridization and respond selectively to the targets.<br />
<br />
I - INTRODUCTION has been used in the most studies [3, 4]. In our<br />
previous report [5], we have presented the<br />
In recent years, there has been considerable application of functionalized poly(5-hydroxy-<br />
interest in the development of DNA sensors due 1,4-naphthoquinone-co-5-hyroxy-3-acetic acid-<br />
to their numerous applications such as the 1,4-naphthoquinone) for DNA biosensor (the<br />
analysis of unknown or mutant genes, diagnosis carboxylic group is serving as a linker for DNA<br />
of infectious agents in various environments and probe immobilization, quinone group as a<br />
detection of analytes (drugs, pollutants, etc. transducer for DNA probe-DNA target<br />
Traditional methods for DNA detection, based hybridization. In present study, we report the<br />
on the radioisotopic and fluorescent detection, construction of DNA sensors based on CS<br />
are labor and time consuming, and are, thus, not modified electrode with MB as redox indicator.<br />
well suited for routine and rapid medical The detection of HIV sequences is successfully<br />
analyses, particularly for point-of-care tasks [1, performed and the discrimination against the 1-<br />
2]. Among some new approaches for DNA base and 2-base mismatch was effectively<br />
detection, electrochemical detection has many achieved.<br />
advantages such as reduction of the assay time,<br />
simple protocol and therefore can be used for II - EXPERIMENTAL<br />
on-site monitoring. In this context,<br />
oligonucleotides (ODN, a short fragment of 1. Chemicals<br />
DNA) immobilization at an electrode surface CS used was medical grade (MW = 200.000,<br />
377<br />
determined by viscometry measurements; DA = with diamond paste of decreasing particle size.<br />
70%, determined by IR analysis and Voltammetric measurements were<br />
potentiometric titration [6]). N'-(3-dimethyl- performed on AUTOLAB PGSTAT 12<br />
aminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide Electrochemical Analyser (EcoChemie, the<br />
hydrochloride (EDC) was provided by Sigma. Netherlands) under the control of GPES version<br />
N-methyl-imidazole (MIA) was from Acros. 4.9.005. The parameters for CV: scan rate: 50<br />
PBS buffer (0.137 M NaCl, 0.0027 M KCl, mV/s; potential range: -0.5 V - +0.2 V vs.SCE.<br />
0.0081 M Na2HPO4, 0.00147 M KH2PO4, pH The parameters for SWV: frequency: 12.5 Hz;<br />
7.4) was from Sigma. Aqueous solutions were start potential: -0.6 V; end potential: +0.4 V;<br />
made with bi-distilled water. All other reagents step 8 mV; amplitude: 25 mV. Prior to SWV<br />
used were of analytical grade. CH3COOH, measurements, the electrodes were held for 120<br />
methylene Blue (China), were of analytical s at the starting potential for conditioning.<br />
grade.<br />
3. ODN quantification<br />
2. Electrochemical cell and electrodes<br />
All sequences of ODN were synthesized by<br />
All electrochemical measurements were Alpha DNA, Quebec, Canada. Five sets of ODN<br />
carried out in three-electrode cell configuration (5' 3') were used (sequences and calculated<br />
with a Pt counter electrode, saturated calomel molar absorption coefficient are given in table 1).<br />
reference electrode (SCE). The working pGEM is served as the probe; c-HIV, 1M-HIV,<br />
electrodes were glassy carbon disks (Tokai, 3 2M-HIV, A20 as complementary, 1-base<br />
mm). The working electrodes were polished mismatch, 2-base mismatch, non complementary<br />
prior to use on a cloth (Struers) sequentially (completely unmatched) targets, respectively.<br />
Table 1: Sequences and calculated molar absorption coefficient of probe and targets<br />
260<br />
Code (103. M-1.cm-1) Sequences (5' 3')<br />
pGEM 226.0 CTC TCG CAC CCA TCT CTC TCC TTC TAG<br />
c-HIV 216.8 A GAA GGA GAG AGA TGG GTG C<br />
1M-HIV 217.5 A GAA GGA GAG AAA TGG GTG C<br />
2M-HIV 219.4 A GAA GAA GAG AAA TGG GTG C<br />
A20 243.4 A AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA A<br />
<br />
0.5<br />
Concentration was determined from<br />
absorbance measurements at 260 nm on Agilent 1<br />
0.4<br />
8453 UV-Vis spectrophotometer and calculated<br />
molar absorption coefficient.<br />
Absorption (a.u)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
0.3 2<br />
4. DNA immobilization-hybridization 3<br />
procedure<br />
0.2<br />
<br />
DNA immobilization is based on reaction<br />
between amine group on CS polymer and 0.1<br />
<br />
phosphate group of ODN probe sequence. EDC<br />
of 1.5.10-2 M in MIA solution was used to 0.0<br />
250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320<br />
activate the amine group, via the formation of<br />
Wavelength (nm)<br />
intermediate labile ester. Hybridization<br />
experiments were carried out in 1x PBS solution Figure 1: UV-vis spectra of (1) pGEM;<br />
(pH 7) containing the targets at room (2) c-HIV; (3) A20<br />
378<br />
temperature. Hybridization time was 30 min. can see that CS films present the NH2 groups,<br />
which can act as reactive groups for the covalent<br />
III - RESULTS AND DISCUSSION immobilization of phosphate-terminated DNA<br />
via phosphoramidate linkage.<br />
1. Film characterization b) Electroactivity in MB<br />
a) IR analysis The film electroactivity was investigated in<br />
The IR spectra (figure not shown) showed 1x PBS buffer containing 100 µM of MB.<br />
the following characteristic peaks with their Reduction of MB proceeds by the participation<br />
attributions ( /cm-1) at 3429 ( O-H, N-H in of two electrons and one proton under the<br />
NH2), 2880 ( C-H), 1650 ( C-O), amide I), experimental conditions to form Leuco-MB blue<br />
1595 ( N-H), amide II). From the IR data, one according the following equation:<br />
<br />
N H<br />
N<br />
+ 2e- + H+<br />
(H3C)2N S N(CH3)2 S<br />
(H3C)2N N(CH3)2<br />
Methylene Blue Leucomethylene Blue<br />
<br />
Cv's showed a quasi-reversible wave pair at anodic and cathodic waves may be a result from<br />
-0.25V/-0.2V vs.SCE (45±5 mV separation kinetic complexity in the MB leucoMB<br />
between anodic Ea and cathodic Ec peak transformation. The CV's and SWV's were very<br />
potentials) (Fig. 2, left). The asymmetry of the stable upon cycling.<br />
-6<br />
3.0x10<br />
-7 1.6x10<br />
<br />
-6<br />
-7 1.4x10<br />
2.0x10<br />
-6<br />
1.2x10<br />
-7<br />
1.0x10<br />
-6<br />
1.0x10<br />
Current (A)<br />
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Current (A)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
0.0<br />
-7<br />
8.0x10<br />
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-1.0x10<br />
-7<br />
6.0x10<br />
-7<br />
-2.0x10 -7<br />
4.0x10<br />
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-7<br />
-3.0x10 -7<br />
2.0x10<br />
<br />
-7<br />
-4.0x10 0.0<br />
-0.6 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 -0.6 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3<br />
Potential (V vs SCE) Potential (V vs SCE)<br />
<br />
Figure 2: CV's (left) and SWV's (right) of CS modified electrodes in MB<br />
<br />
2. Electrochemical detection of hybridization were recorded sequentially before and after each<br />
step (immobilization and hybridization) in MB<br />
The main objective of all DNA detection is<br />
solution under the same experimental<br />
to define DNA recognition interface (between conditions.<br />
the probe and target sequences) and afterwards<br />
effectively discriminate complementary target The first interesting observation is that the<br />
against 1 and 2-base mutant sequences. non-complementary sequence A20 (Fig. 3,<br />
The CV's (figure not shown) and SWV's control experiment 1) does not give any signal,<br />
379<br />
while the posterior treatment on the same formation step, the subsequent steps of<br />
electrode with complementary one of c-HIV immobilization and hybridization are<br />
showed a significant decrease in current signal. maintained) (Fig. 6). No changes in current<br />
This indicates that unspecific adsorption of non- signal were observed, indicating no<br />
complementary sequence was negligible and the hybridization in this case. This proved once<br />
change in current signal is due to hybridization again unspecific adsorption of ODN is<br />
with matched sequence. Secondly, the negligible but covalent fixation of ODN probe<br />
discrimination of c-HIV against 1M-HIV and (via the reaction of functional groups on CS<br />
2M-HIV was clearly demonstrated a less current films and ODN) was predominant and very<br />
signal upon hybridization with c-HIV was important for effective detection of<br />
recorded (Fig. 4), while no changes were hybridization. This result also confirmed above<br />
registered for 1M-HIV (Fig. 5) and 2M-HIV signal change was really come from the true<br />
(figure not shown). hybridization but not any other phenomena like<br />
Another control experiment is carried out on non-specific adsorption or signal unstability<br />
CS-free electrode (without the CS film (selectivity of the detection).<br />
<br />
-6<br />
1.6x10<br />
-6<br />
1 1.6x10<br />
1: pGEM<br />
2 1: pGEM<br />
-6 2: A20 -6<br />
1<br />
1.4x10 1.4x10 2: c-HIV<br />
3: c-HIV<br />
-6<br />
3 -6 2<br />
1.2x10 1.2x10<br />
Current (A)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-6 -6<br />
I/A 1.0x10 1.0x10<br />
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-7 -7<br />
8.0x10 8.0x10<br />
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-7 -7<br />
6.0x10 6.0x10<br />
<br />
-7 -7<br />
4.0x10 4.0x10<br />
<br />
-7 -7<br />
2.0x10 2.0x10<br />
<br />
0.0 0.0<br />
-0.6 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 -0.6 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3<br />
Potential (V vs SCE)<br />
Potential (V vs SCE)<br />
Fig. 3: SWV’s responses on CS/pGEM Fig. 4: SWV’s responses on CS/pGEM<br />
electrode (1) before treatment; (2) after treatment electrode (1) before treatment; (2) after treatment<br />
with A20; (3) second treatment with c-HIV with treatment with c-HIV<br />
-6<br />
1.8x10<br />
-6<br />
1.2x10 1 Bared GC<br />
2<br />
1: pGEM 1.6x10<br />
-6<br />
2 pGEM adsorption<br />
-6<br />
2: 1M-HIV 1 3 Hyb-tion with c-HIV<br />
1.0x10 1.4x10<br />
-6<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-7 1.2x10<br />
-6 3<br />
8.0x10<br />
Current (A)<br />
Current (A)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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-6<br />
1.0x10<br />
-7<br />
6.0x10<br />
-7<br />
8.0x10<br />
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4.0x10<br />
-7<br />
2 -7<br />
6.0x10<br />
<br />
-7 -7<br />
2.0x10 1 4.0x10<br />
<br />
-7<br />
2.0x10<br />
0.0<br />
-0.6 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3<br />
-0.6 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 Potential (V vs SCE)<br />
Potential (V vs SCE)<br />
Fig. 6: SWV’s responses on CS-free electrode<br />
Fig. 5: SWV’s responses on CS/pGEM (1) bared GC electrode; (2) after treatment with<br />
electrode (1) before; (2) after treatment with 1M- pGEM; (3) after treatment with c-HIV<br />
HIV<br />
380<br />
IV - CONCLUSION (Vietnamese) fund for providing Agilent UV-vis<br />
spectrophotometer, VLIR-HUT reciprocal fund<br />
In this study, direct electrochemical for AUTOLAB Electrochemical system, VLIR-<br />
detection of HIV sequences has been performed HUT Project AP05\Prj3\Nr 05.<br />
by CV and SWV. DNA probes have been<br />
covalently immobilized on CS modified REFERENCES<br />
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that the current signal decreased following the 2. J. Zhai, H. Cui, et al. Biotech. Advances, 15<br />
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meanwhile it remained constant for mismaches<br />
and noncomplementary strands. To achieve 3. E. Palecek. Talanta, 56 (5), 809 - 819<br />
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work is in progress to optimize numerous 4. S. V. Tillib, A. D. Mirzabekov. Curr.<br />
factors such as the probe and target density, Opinion in Biotech., 12, 53 - 58 (2001).<br />
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Acknowledgements: This work was supported Doan, LH. Dao. Anal. Chem., 75, 6748 -<br />
by a grant from the National Program in 6752 (2003).<br />
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381<br />