Detection of T4 DNA ligase using a solid-state electrochemiluminescence biosensing switch based on ferrocene-labeled molecular beacon

A solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing switch based on special ferrocene-labeled molecular beacon (Fc-MB) has been successfully developed for T4 DNA ligase detection. Such special switch system consisted of two main parts, an ECL substrate and an ECL intensity switch. The ECL substrate was made by modifying the complex of Au nanoparticle and Ruthenium (II) tris-(bipyridine) (Ru(bpy)32+-AuNPs) onto Au electrode. A molecular beacon labeled by ferrocene as the ECL intensity switch. The molecular beacon is designed with special base sequence, which could combine with its target biomolecule via the reaction of the repair and recombination of nucleic acids by DNA ligase. During the reaction, the molecular beacon opened its stem–loop, and the labeled Fc was consequently kept away from the ECL substrate. Such structural change resulted in an obvious increment in ECL intensity due to the decreased Fc quenching effect to the ECL substrate. The analysis results are sensitive and specific.