This project is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry with an emphasis on bioelectrochemistry. During the tenure of this three-year grant, Professor Chambers will investigate the possibility of electrochemical communication with polynucleotides or, more specifically, the purine and pyrimidine groups buried within polynucleotides. The experimental techniques will include the use of modified electrodes and laser-induced fluorescence spectroelectro- chemistry. Dr Chambers will design an organic salt electrode that responds to DNA through intercalation or hydrogen-bonding interactions. He will also develop electrochemical tags for DNA and other polynucleotides similar to fluorescent tags currently used for spectroscopic investigations. %%% Professor Chambers and his students will investigate the possibility of electrochemical communication with DNA and other polynucleotides by developing novel, modified electrodes and electrochemical tags similar to spectroscopic tags in common use today. The proposed method for the analysis of DNA and polynucleotides may give rise to bioanalytical techniques with broad applications in clinical chemistry and biotechnology.
