Sean Goggins

A Novel DNA Biosensor Using a Ferrocenyl Intercalator Applied to the Potential Detection of Human Population Biomarkers in Wastewater

A new label-free electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) biosensor using a custom synthesized ferrocenyl (Fc) double-stranded DNA intercalator as a redox marker is presented. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was co-immobilized on gold electrodes with 6-mecarpto-hexanol to control the surface density of the ssDNA probe, and hybridized with complementary DNA. The binding of the Fc intercalator to dsDNA was measured by differential pulse voltammetry. This new biosensor was optimized to allow the detection of single base pair mismatched sequences, able to detect as low as 10 pM target ssDNA with a dynamic range from 10 pM to 100 nM. DNA extracted from wastewater was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting human-specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The aim of this approach is to enable the analysis of population biomarkers in wastewater for the evaluation of public health using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). The E-DNA biosensor was employed to detect human-specific mtDNA from wastewater before and after PCR amplification. The results demonstrate the feasibility of detecting human DNA biomarkers in wastewater using the developed biosensor, which may allow the further development of DNA population biomarkers for public health using WBE.

Fine-tuning of ferrocene redox potentials towards multiplex DNA detection

Electron-withdrawing or -donating groups are known to directly affect the Fe(III/II) formal potential of ferrocene derivatives by affecting their energy levels relative to the vacuum level. However, perhaps surprisingly, also more subtle indirect “tuning” of the formal potential is possible by changing the “dielectric environment”. This is demonstrated here by systematically changing the chain length of alkyl-chain derivatives. The resulting formal potentials are shown to be correlated to the hydrophobicity of the ferrocene molecule which can be used to predict the redox potential of a ferrocene.

Trans-Selective Rhodium Catalysed Conjugate Addition of Organoboron Reagents to Dihydropyranones

The selective synthesis of 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyran derivatives employing the rhodium catalysed addition of organoboron reagents to dihydropyranone templates, derived from a zinc-catalysed hetero-Diels-Alder reaction, is reported. The addition of both arylboronic acids and potassium alkenyltrifluoroborates have been accomplished in high yields using commercially-available [Rh(cod)(OH)]2 catalyst. The selective formation of the 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyran stereoisomer is consistent with a mechanism involving alkene association and carbometalation on the less hindered face of the dihydropyranone.

Ratiometric electrochemical detection of Pd•••π interactions: application towards electrochemical molecular logic gates

Abstract The widespread and large scale use of platinum group metals, especially palladium, in a wide variety of industrial applications has seen their levels in wastewater streams, roadside dust and even pharmaceuticals significantly rise over recent years. Due to the possible environmental damage and potential health risk this may cause, there is now substantial demand for inexpensive, efficient and robust methods for the detection of palladium. Based upon self-immolative linker technologies, we have designed and synthesised a number of allyl ether-functionalised electrochemical probes to determine the optimum probe structure required to deliver a ratiometric electrochemical detection method capable of achieving a limit of detection of <1 mg/mL within 20 min through the use of disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes. Combined with an enzymatic assay, this method was then used to achieve a proof-of-principle ratiometric electrochemical molecular logic gate.