On-site rapid detection of Ethidium Bromide using ultramicroelectrode sensors

Ethidium bromide (EtBr) is one of the most fluorescence-based detection of nucleic acids molecule. It also shown to be potentially dangerous due to damage at mitochondrial genome. In the last 10 years, EtBr has also been shown to be electrochemically active. In this work, we show the modification of an ultra-micro electrode sensorand subsequent detection of EtBr from Phosphate buffer ona nanomolar level (LoD of 12 nM). The sensor can detect concentrations with a higher sensitivity and reliability than the classic UV lamp in a practical manner. This novel sensor may offer a potential solution to test for and reduce potentials risks associated with both job related risk and unwanted environmental release of EtBr.