1721
Invited: Utilization of DNA As a Scaffold for Electrode Design for Efficient Bioelectrocatalysis in Fuel Cell Applications

Wednesday, 31 May 2017: 08:20
Durham (Hilton New Orleans Riverside)
S. D. Minteer (University of Utah)
DNA nanotechnology is a new field of biology focused on the use of DNA for structural design. Previously, researchers have shown that DNA nanotechnology can be used for immobilizing enzymes. However, DNA is not conductive enough for direct electron transfer between enzyme electrocatalysts and electrode surfaces, so it hasn't been useful for bioelectrocatalytic applications like amperometric biosensors and enzymatic fuel cels. In this talk, we will discuss the use of DNA hydrogels for the preparation of DNA-based redox polymers for both immobilization of oxidoreductase enzymes and mediated bioelectrocatalysis. We will discuss two methods for preparing redox DNA hydrogels including the noncovalent functionalization of DNA with redox molecules via intercalation of aromatic redox probes into the DNA double helix and electrostatic binding of redox-active tetraalkylammonium ions to phosphate groups on DNA. Although these two techniques are used frequently in biomedical applications, this is their first use in the design of electrode structures. These redox DNA hydrogels have demonstrated mediated bioelectrocatalytic glucose oxidation by oxidoreductase enzymes via self-exchange-based mediation. This talk will describe the bio-inspired design of the electrode structures, as well as electrochemical characterization and evaluation of bioelectrodes for sensing and fuel cell applciations.