High-performance droplet electricity generator biosensor for DNA detection

Droplet electricity generator (DEG)-powered DNA biosensors offer significant advantages in ultrasensitive and portable detection. However, the suboptimal power output of conventional DEGs has hindered the advancement of their sensing performance. To address this limitation, we engineered a core-shell-structured high-entropy sulfide (HES)-based filler to construct an optimized intermediate layer for the DEG (TiO 2 @HES/PVDF [THP]-DEG), achieving a remarkable output voltage of 625 V and dramatically improving the detection limit of the DEG biosensor. Specifically, the research developed a THP composite as the functional intermediate layer, where the advanced material design effectively mitigates particle aggregation and leakage current, thereby enhancing sensor performance and extending the DNA detection range to the femtomolar (fM) level. Furthermore, we established a mathematical model to precisely correlate electrical signals with DNA concentration. The THP-DEG biosensor demonstrated exceptional performance in detecting DNA from Alvinocarididae and sulfate-reducing bacteria, achieving ultrahigh sensitivity with detection limits of 0.987 and 0.927 fM, respectively.