Single-Stranded DNA Triple Allosteric-Assisted Logic Gates Enabled Photoelectrochemical Multiplex Detection of Waterborne Viruses

Conventional photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors with a single recognition interface frequently exhibit limitations in delivering comprehensive concentration information for target analytes in multiplex detection systems. The present work leverages the triple allostery of single-stranded DNA conformation to construct a "signal-on" and "signal-off" switchable PEC sensing platform, thereby propelling the advancement of DNA logic gate-integrated PEC analytical systems toward precise quantification and multiplex qualitative analysis of viruses in aquatic environments. The engineered OR-type logic gate-integrated PEC platform, harnessing the dual metal ion enzyme-mediated cascade signal amplification system, exhibited superior quantitative performance for dual-virus detection with a wider linear range from 0.01 to 100 nM and a low detection limit of 69 fM for Norovirus (Nov) and 84 fM for Rotavirus (Rov). Practical validation studies demonstrated that the AND-type logic gate-empowered PEC system displays an accurate qualitative capability for multiple target viruses, thus highlighting its potential for complex environmental monitoring. This work, based on the signal probe conformational allosteric-assisted DNA logic gate-enabled PEC multiplex detection, is expected to provide novel insights into the transduction mechanisms of multiplex detection signals and offer new perspectives for advanced multiplex PEC sensor development.