Genosensor study for cell-free fetal DNA detection

Biosensors, the laboratory technology of the 21st century, have received great interest due to their advantages over conventional methods. Biosensors used in genetic analysis are called genosensors. Genosensors do not require time-consuming and costly procedures such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis as compared to routine genetic analysis. The aim of this study is to develop a new procedure with nanopolymer based genosensor for the determination of paternal mutation from cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood. β-thalassemia IVS1-110 mutation analysis was performed using quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) and biosensor technologies. For this purpose, the probes of the mutation were immobilized on the genosensor electrode surface by means of Poly Hema-MAC nanopolymer and then samples were added to the working cell for detection. Optimization, characterization, sensitivity and specificity studies of the genosensor were performed. The developed biosensor can detect the presence of paternal mutation of the fetus specific to the probe on its surface. Compared with the traditional methods used in routine, it was found to be more cost-effective, faster, with high specificity and detection efficiency.