Electrochemical DNA biosensor for potential carcinogen detection in food sample

•A novel electrochemical DNA biosensor was constructed for detecting the presence ofdeveloped for carcinogens in food samples.•Three different DNA sequences were evaluated for optimal binding with carcinogens.•The DNA was immobilized onto silica nanospheres/gold nanoparticles coated electrode.•The biosensor was used to evaluate formaldehyde and acrylamide.•The applicability of the biosensor was tested with food samples and standard Ames test.