Direct electrochemical detection of oligonucleotide hybridization on poly(5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone- co-5-hydroxy-3-thioacetic acid-1,4-naphthoquinone) film.

We describe the construction of a new DNA-modified electrode based on an electroactive film. 5-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone is coelectrooxidized with 5-hydroxy-3-thioacetic acid-1,4-naphthoquinone to give a copolymer, presenting both electroactive and chemically reactive groups. The carboxylic function acts as a precursor for the covalent grafting of ODN probes while the quinone group acts as the transduction element of hybridization.

Cell binding, uptake and cytosolic partition of HIV anti-gag phosphodiester oligonucleotides 3'-linked to cholesterol derivatives in macrophages.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cell interactions of a new class of compounds composed of phosphodiester oligonucleotides linked to the cholesterol group at position 3, 7, or 22 of the steroid structure. The resulting conjugates were assessed for their capacity to bind, penetrate and partition in the cytoplasmic compartment of murine macrophages. The results showed that lipophilic conjugates bind to cells much faster (t(1/2) < or = 10 min) than do underivatized oligomers.

Electrochemical method for entrapment of oligonucleotides in polymer-coated electrodes.

Oligonucleotides were incorporated into conducting films of poly(3, 4-ethylene dioxythiophene) by an electrochemical method that involves two steps. The electrode is first coated with the polymer film by electropolymerization followed by electrooxidation of the formed polymer in the presence of the oligonucleotide. Neutral water soluble polymers such as poly(vinylpyrrolidone) or poly(ethylene glycol) were added to the polymerizing medium resulting in higher incorporation yields of oligonucleotides.

High specific radioactivity labeling of oligonucleotides with 3H-succinimidyl propionate.

An easy and rapid method for tritium labeling of deprotected oligonucleotides is proposed. The method consists in performing the reaction of commercial 3H-succinimidyl propionate with a terminal amino group of the oligonucleotide in an organic medium. High specific radioactivity labeling can be achieved with minimal radiolysis during long term storage.