Method and device for detection of nucleic acids and/or polypeptides

Abstract

A method for the detection and/or quantification of at least one target nucleic acid or target polypeptide in a sample of nucleic acids or polypeptides comprising the steps of: a) providing a sample comprising nucleic acids or polypeptides; b) labeling the nucleic acids or polypeptides with a ligand conjugate, the ligand conjugate comprising a first element binding to the nucleic acids or polypeptides and a second element which is a capture ligand; c) contacting the nucleic acid-ligand conjugates or polypeptide-ligand conjugates with at least one capture probe, the capture probe hybridizing with or binding to at least one target nucleic acid or target polypeptide; d) adding i) an oxidoreductase enzyme, wherein the oxidoreductase enzyme is recognized by the capture ligand, or ii) a complex comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme bound to a capture receptor, the capture receptor capable of binding to the capture ligand; e) adding a redox polymer, the redox polymer binding to the oxidoreductase enzyme, thereby resulting in the transfer of electrons from the enzyme via the redox polymer to an electrode surface; and f) detecting and/or quantifying the presence of the target nucleic acid(s) or target polypeptide(s).