Preliminary Results of the Development of a DNA-Hybridization-Based Biosensor for the Detection of Milk Adulteration Using Gold Interdigitated Electrodes

Abstract

Milk is a widely consumed product, and its adulteration is not only common but also very dangerous. This study aimed to develop a biosensor for the detection of milk adulteration using DNA hybridization coupled with an electrochemical device. The advantages of biosensors over traditional laboratory methods, such as their speed, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, are combined with the sensitivity of DNA hybridization. A capacitive biosensor was developed using interdigitated gold electrodes on paper substrate, which were modified with specific oligonucleotides for cow mitochondrial DNA that served as the biorecognition element. The methodology relies on the measurement of changes in capacitance due to DNA hybridization. Preliminary results are presented, showing the ability of this biosensor to detect bovine DNA in goat milk with high sensitivity and specificity. The results show that this biosensor has the potential to be a low-cost, easy-to-perform, and fast method for the detection of milk adulteration. This biosensor technology is a promising development for the detection of milk adulteration and can help to ensure the safety and quality of milk products.

Keywords

• milk adulteration
• DNA hybridization
• biosensors
• bovine DNA
• interdigitated electrodes
• fast detection