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Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for Mycobacterium leprae Identification
Abstract
Nowadays, a prompt and reliable diagnosis is one of the most critical measures for leprosy control.
The current diagnostic is based on clinical exams by a health care professional, and it may not recognize
early signs of the disease. Therefore, other leprosy diagnosis methods are needed that are sensitive,
disease-specific, and easy to deliver to the end-user. This study describes the construction of an
electrochemical DNA biosensor to detect PCR products of Mycobacterium leprae using methylene blue as
an indicator of the hybridization. The capture probe was immobilized on the graphite electrode modified with
poly(4-aminophenol). The electrode surface was morphologically characterized by atomic force microscopy.
Linear voltammetry was used to monitor the concentration of methylene blue on the DNA biosensor, which
indicated a limit detection of 1 x 10-10 mol/L. The biosensor showed selective when placed to hybridize with
a non-complementary sequence. This study suggests that the electrochemical DNA biosensor developed is
promising for detecting DNA of Mycobacterium leprae.
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Type
Journal Article