title: Atomic force microscopy characterization of an electrochemical DNA-biosensor.
abstract: Electrode surface characteristics represent an important aspect on the construction of sensitive DNA electrochemical biosensors for rapid detection of DNA interaction and damage. Two different immobilization procedures of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) at the surface of a HOPG electrode were evaluated by MAC mode AFM performed in air. A thin dsDNA adsorbed film forming a network structure with holes exposing the electrode surface and a thick dsDNA film completely covering the electrode surface, presenting a much rougher structure, were investigated. The DNA surface characteristics and structure are discussed with respect to the degree of surface coverage.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana-Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chiorcea
authors.forename: Ana Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Oliveira Brett
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; C009139:pyrolytic carbon; D002244:Carbon; D004247:DNA; C427203:calf thymus DNA