Work

Colorimetric detection of DNA sequences based on electrostatic interactions with unmodified gold nanoparticles

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: We find that single- and double-stranded oligonucleotides have different propensities to adsorb on gold nanoparticles in colloidal solution. We use this observation to design a hybridization assay based on color changes associated with gold aggregation. Because the underlying adsorption mechanism is electrostatic, no covalent functionalization of the gold, the probe, or the target DNA is required. Hybridization conditions can be optimized because it is completely separated from the detection step. The assay is complete within 5 min, and <100 femtomoles of target produces color changes observable without instrumentation. Single-base-pair mismatches are easily detected.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0406115101

Authors: Huixiang Li, Lewis Rothberg

Institutions: University of Rochester, Princeton University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging

Award: METHODS FOR ANALYSIS OF GENE FUNCTION IN NEURAL NETWORKS