LAUSR

The β1 receptor blocker metoprolol targets the hypertension-carrying adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB1), but therapy is often hindered by a lack of evidence-based medical information. The authors describe an assay for the ADRB1 gene. It is based on the electrocatalytic oxidation of H2O2 by a nanocomposite consisting of hemin and platinum nanoparticles in an amino-modified metal-organic framework of the type Fe-MIL-88-NH2 and heavily loaded with Cu(II) ions. The nanocomposite was placed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and the resulting sensor displays increased electrocatalytic activity with the addition of H2O2 because of the synergistic effects of hemin and the platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs). Next, a capture DNA probe for the target ADRB1 gene was immobilized on the modified GCE. Binding of the target gene results in a distinct change in the electrocatalytic activity of H2O2. The amperometric i–t curves were recorded at −0.4 V in 5 mL of phosphate buffered saline at room temperature. The electrode responds to ADRB1 in the 1 f. to 10 nM concentration range and has a 0.21 f. detection limit (at a S/N ratio of 3). In our perception, this detection scheme can simplify and accelerate the identification of drug response and therapeutic efficacy. Conceivably, it may be applied to other mutations, and it may enable a more precise clinical prognosis and thus facilitate personalized medical diagnostics.