The modification of surfaces with biomolecules is essential for technologies ranging from biobatteries to sensors. Yet, often, the chemistries used to tether biomolecules to surfaces are harsh or excessively complicated, diminishing their utility. We have developed a reagentless, one-pot bioconjugation reaction to attach oligonucleotides to electroactive surfaces based on electrochemical oxidation. Coupling proceeds in minutes at low micromolar DNA concentrations, and, importantly, we can control the final DNA surface coverage by varying the reaction time and concentration of reactive species. We have shown the broad applicability of this method by electrochemically detecting the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A and by specifically capturing living nonadherent cells through DNA hybridization. This method has shifted the paradigm of biomolecule attachment to metal surfaces and represents a new direction for selective biomolecule attachment to surfaces.

Reagentless modification of surfaces with biomolecules

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.