Ferrocene conjugated DNA for biosensing and antisense applications

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Roberts, Holly Victoria (2018). Ferrocene conjugated DNA for biosensing and antisense applications. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

[img]
Preview
Roberts18PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version

Download (8MB)

Abstract

In order to enhance the sensing capabilities of DNA, an array of tags and modified nucleic acids have been synthesised. This thesis studies both the sensing capabilities and the stability of electrochemical DNA reporters based on the redox active molecule ferrocene.

The topics covered are as follows:

1. Two synthetic ferrocene nucleic acid (FcNA) DNA mimics and a redox-active tag based on two covalently connected ferrocene molecules were incorporated into the backbone of a DNA strand in a central position and the 5’ end of a DNA strand, respectively. These probes were then used to form mixed monolayers and their stability was assessed. DNA target detection was possible with square wave voltammetry due to the unusual reliance of this technique on the ‘critical frequency’ of the redox active molecule.

2. DNA probes containing thymine-modified FcNA reporter groups were investigated further due the ability of mercuric ions (Hg2+) to bind covalently to two opposite thymine groups. Detection of these ions was possible through both cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry.

3. The FcNA-conjugated DNA probes are assessed for their potential as therapeutic antisense agents by exposing the single stranded and duplexed probes to a DNase and two types of exonuclease enzyme.

Type of Work: Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type: Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Tucker, JamesUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Horswell, Sarah LUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty: Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
School or Department: School of Chemistry
Funders: None/not applicable
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics
T Technology > TP Chemical technology
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/8663

Actions

Request a Correction Request a Correction
View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year