UC Santa Barbara

The ability to monitor specific molecules in real-time directly in a flowing sample stream and in a manner that does not adulterate that stream could greatly augment quality control in, for example, food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Because they are continuous, reagentless, and able to work directly in complex samples, electrochemical DNA-based (E-DNA) sensors, a modular and, thus, general sensing platform, are promising candidates to fill this role. In support, we describe here an E-DNA sensor supporting the continuous, real-time measurement of melamine in flowing milk. Using target-driven DNA triplex formation to generate an electrochemical output, the sensor responds to rising and falling melamine concentration in seconds without contaminating the product stream. The continuous, autonomous, real-time operation of sensors such as this could provide unprecedented safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness relative to the batch processes historically employed in molecular quality control.