(287h) Facile Carbon Electrode Modification for Improved Biosensing

Modification of electrodes with biomolecules is essential for biosensor development. Though gold electrodes are often used because of their ease of modification, carbon screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are gaining popularity, as they do not require precious metals and are more consistent than equivalent gold screen-printed electrodes. However, their modification with biomolecules remains a challenge. By combining electrochemical modification with a bioorthogonal oxidative coupling reaction, we can attach key biomolecules (DNA and proteins) to carbon electrodes. The biomolecules maintain activity following attachment, ensuring that the molecules remain active and/or accessible following coupling. We have further generated films with non-adhesive cells on these electrodes using DNA-directed immobilization. This work provides an important platform for the modification of carbon SPEs and is anticipated to be applicable to any carbon-based electrode material.