Functionalized gold nanoparticles for ultrasensitive DNA detection

Abstract

A major challenge in the area of DNA detection is the development of rapid methods that do not require polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the genetic sample. The PCR amplification step increases the cost of the assay, the complexity of the detection, and the quantity of DNA required for the assay. In this context, methods that are able to perform DNA analyses with ultrasensitivity have recently been investigated with the aim of developing new PCR-free detection protocols. Functionalized gold nanoparticles have played a central role in the development of such methods. Here, possibilities offered by functionalized gold nanoparticle in the ultrasensitive detection of DNA are discussed. The different functionalization protocols available for gold nanoparticles and the principal DNA detection methods that are able to detect DNA at the femtomolar to attomolar level are presented.

Gold nanoparticles for the bare-eye based and spectrophotometric detection of proteins, polynucleotides and DNA

“…This detection method is commonly report on literature as "salt-induced aggregation". [7] To achieve this goal, experimental protocol ( Fig. 1) imposes to add biomacromolecules (10 μg) before NaCl to conserve the Au-NPs dispersion (Fig.…”

“…[2] Thus, DNA analysis requires developing new concepts for "short time", and "low cost" tools. Among all the strategies to achieve this goal, the single nanopore technology [3][4][5] and gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) [6,7] seem to be the most promising.…”

Ultrasensitive detection of non-amplified genomic DNA by nanoparticle-enhanced surface plasmon resonance imaging

“…An optimal surface probe density is required in order to obtain reproducible and consistent SPRI results, since an excessively dense surface decreases the measurement sensitivity in detecting oligonucleotide hybridization (Zanoli et al, 2008).…”

Novel signal amplification approach for HRP-based colorimetric genosensors using DNA binding protein tags

“…Moreover, functionalization of the particles in order to provide the link between the target DNA and the detection element can be laborious and costly like in the case of ssDNA-HRP conjugates. Differences in size distribution and labeling efficiencies with DNA detection probes and reporter enzymes have also limited their use (Xu et al, 2009;Zanoli et al, 2012).…”