Patent ID: 9612222
Date: 2017-04-04
CPC Classifications: G01N

Claim:
1. A method for detection of target DNA sequences using double-stranded oligonucleotides, comprising: creating a PNA probe that comprises a PNA sequence that is complementary to at least a portion of a target DNA sequence; attaching the PNA probe to an electrode, the PNA probe forming a self-assembled monolayer on the electrode; exposing the PNA probe to an electroactive label; subjecting the PNA probe to an electrochemical method to measure a baseline electrochemical signal; hybridizing the PNA probe with a sample of double-stranded DNA by exposing the PNA probe to the sample of double-stranded DNA to form at least one complete PNA-double-stranded DNA triplex hybrid; exposing the hybridized PNA probe to the electroactive label so that the electroactive label is intercalated within the at least one complete PNA-double-stranded DNA triplex hybrid; subjecting the hybridized PNA probe to the electrochemical method to measure a complete hybridization electrochemical signal indicative of the degree of hybridization between the PNA probe and the sample of double-stranded DNA; comparing the complete hybridization electrochemical signal of the hybridized PNA probe to the baseline electrochemical signal of the PNA probe; and determining that the target DNA sequence is present in the sample of double-stranded DNA when the complete hybridization electrochemical signal of the hybridized PNA probe is significantly greater than the baseline electrochemical signal of the PNA probe.