RNA-modified carbon nanotube arrays recognizing RNA via electrochemical capacitance response.

Electrochemically active hybrid electrodes have been obtained by non-covalent immobilization of homo-oligoribonucleotide probes on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grown vertically on a silicon substrate. Immobilization has been achieved by interaction of heterocyclic bases of oligonucleotide with MWCNT surface or through a pyrene anchor group pre-conjugated to oligonucleotide. The electrode capacitance signal measured in our model system allowed for the selective recognition of target RNA oligonucleotides. Pyrene-anchoring of oligonucleotide probes to the MWCNT surface was shown to provide the better selectivity and stability of electrochemical response of the hybrid electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]