A sensitive impedimetric DNA biosensor for the determination of the HIV gene based on graphene-Nafion composite film

An impedimetric HIV-1 gene biosensor has been developed based on graphene-Nafion composite film. The biosensor was fabricated by adsorbing the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) on graphene-Nafion modified on the surface of glassy carbon electrode via the π–π* stacking interactions. As the negative ssDNA and the steric hindrance, the electron transfer resistance of the electrodes toward the [Fe(CN)6]3−/4 redox couple was difficult, the electron transfer resistance value increased. In the measurement of HIV gene, ssDNA probe with the target DNA to form double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), the formation of helix induced dsDNA to release from the surface of the biosensor. The decrease in the electron transfer resistance was in logarithmically direct proportion to the concentration of HIV-1 gene over a range from 1.0×10−13 to 1.0×10−10M. The detection limit of this sensor was 2.3×10−14M. It was found that Nafion could not only stabilize graphene but also increase the dispersion of graphene. The results demonstrate that this graphene-Nafion biosensor possesses good selectivity, acceptable stability and reproducibility for HIV-1 gene detection. •An impedimetric HIV-1 gene biosensor has been developed based on graphene-Nafion.•The biosensor showed the low detection limit of 2.3×10–14 M for HIV-1 gene.•Nafion stabilizes graphene coated on electrode and increases graphene dispersion.•The biosensor possesses good selectivity and stability for HIV- 1 gene detection.