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The application of a negative potential ramp at a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) functionalized electrode surface results in the gradual denaturation of the DNA in a process known as electrochemical melting. The underlying physical chemistry behind electrochemically driven DNA denaturation is not well understood, and one possible mechanism is a change in local pH at the electrode surface. We demonstrate that by coimmobilization of p-mercaptobenozic acid at a dsDNA-functionalized electrode surface, it is possible to monitor both DNA denaturation and the local pH simultaneously using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. We find that the local pH at the electrode surface does not change as the applied potential is scanned negative and the dsDNA denatures. We therefore conclude that in these experiments electrochemical melting is not caused by electrochemically driven local pH changes.

Original publication

DOI

10.1021/la204794g

Type

Journal article

Journal

Langmuir

Publication Date

27/03/2012

Volume

28

Pages

5464 - 5470

Keywords

Biosensing Techniques, DNA, Electrochemical Techniques, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Nucleic Acid Denaturation, Spectrum Analysis, Raman