Label-Free Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection Using a Cationic Tetrahedralfluorene and Silica Nanoparticles

Designed Strategies for Fluorescence-Based Biosensors for the Detection of Mycotoxins

Small molecule toxins such as mycotoxins with low molecular weight are the most widely studied biological toxins. These biological toxins are responsible for food poisoning and have the potential to be used as biological warfare agents at the toxic dose. Due to the poisonous nature of mycotoxins, effective analysis techniques for quantifying their toxicity are indispensable. In this context, biosensors have been emerged as a powerful tool to monitors toxins at extremely low level. Recently, biosensors based on fluorescence detection have attained special interest with the incorporation of nanomaterials. This review paper will focus on the development of fluorescence-based biosensors for mycotoxin detection, with particular emphasis on their design as well as properties such as sensitivity and specificity. A number of these fluorescent biosensors have shown promising results in food samples for the detection of mycotoxins, suggesting their future potential for food applications.

Suspension arrays based on nanoparticle-encoded microspheres for high-throughput multiplexed detection

Spectrometrically or optically encoded microsphere based suspension array technology (SAT) is applicable to the high-throughput, simultaneous detection of multiple analytes within a small, single sample volume. Thanks to the rapid development of nanotechnology, tremendous progress has been made in the multiplexed detecting capability, sensitivity, and photostability of suspension arrays. In this review, we first focus on the current stock of nanoparticle-based barcodes as well as the manufacturing technologies required for their production. We then move on to discuss all existing barcode-based bioanalysis patterns, including the various labels used in suspension arrays, label-free platforms, signal amplification methods, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based platforms. We then introduce automatic platforms for suspension arrays that use superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based microspheres. Finally, we summarize the current challenges and their proposed solutions, which are centered on improving encoding capacities, alternative probe possibilities, nonspecificity suppression, directional immobilization, and "point of care" platforms. Throughout this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for the design of suspension arrays, with the goal of improving their performance in areas such as multiplexing capacity, throughput, sensitivity, and cost effectiveness. We hope that our summary on the state-of-the-art development of these arrays, our commentary on future challenges, and some proposed avenues for further advances will help drive the development of suspension array technology and its related fields.

Ag nanoclusters as probes for turn-on fluorescence recognition of TpG dinucleotide with a high selectivity

CpG dinucleotide in DNA has a great tendency to mutate to TpG dinucleotide and this transition can cause some serious diseases. In this work, fluorescent Ag nanoclusters (Ag NCs) were employed as useful inorganic fluorophores for the potential of selectively discriminating TpG dinucleotide from CpG dinucleotide. Opposite the base Y of interest in YpG dinucleotide (Y=C or T), a bulge site was introduced so as to make the base Y to be unpaired and ready for Ag(+) binding. Such that the unpaired Y and context base pairs can provide a specific space suitable for creating fluorescent Ag NCs. We found that in comparison with CpG dinucleotide, TpG dinucleotide is much more efficient in growing fluorescent Ag NCs. Therefore, mutation of CpG dinucleotide to TpG can be identified by a turn-on fluorescence response and a high selectivity. More interestingly, Ag NCs exhibit a better performance in the TpG recognition over the other dinucleotides (Y=A and G) than the previously used organic fluorophores. Additionally, the effectiveness of the bulge site design in discriminating these dinucleotides was evidenced by control DNAs having the abasic site structure. We expect that a practical method for TpG dinucleotide recognition with a high selectivity can be developed using the bulge site-grown fluorescent Ag NCs as novel probes.

Fluorescence light-up recognition of DNA nucleotide based on selective abasic site binding of an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer probe

DNA single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection has attracted much attention due to mutation-related diseases. Various fluorescence methods for SNP detection have been proposed and many are already in use. However, fluorescence enhancement for signal-on SNP identification without label modification still remains a challenge. Here, we find that the abasic site (AP site) in a DNA duplex can be developed as a binding pocket favorable for the occurrence of the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of a 3-hydroxyflavone, fisetin, which is used as a proof of concept for effective SNP identification. Fisetin binding at the AP site is highly selective for target thymine or cytosine facing the AP site by observation of a drastic increase in the ESIPT emission band. In addition, the target recognition selectivity based on this ESIPT process is not affected by flanking bases of the AP site. The binding selectivity of fisetin at the AP site is also confirmed by measurements of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, emission lifetime and DNA melting. The fluorescent signal-on sensing for SNP based on this fluorophore is substantially advantageous over the previously used fluorophores such as the AP site-specific signal-off organic ligands with a similar fluorescing mechanism before and after binding to DNA with hydrogen bonding interaction. We expect that this approach will be employed to develop a practical SNP detection method by locating an AP site toward a target and employing an ESIPT probe as readout.

DNA abasic site-directed formation of fluorescent silver nanoclusters for selective nucleobase recognition

DNA single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection has attracted much attention due to mutation related diseases. Various methods for SNP detection have been proposed and many are already in use. Here, we find that the abasic site (AP site) in the DNA duplex can be developed as a capping scaffold for the generation of fluorescent silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs). As a proof of concept, the DNA sequences from fragments near codon 177 of cancer supression gene p53 were used as a model for SNP detection by in situ formed Ag NCs. The formation of fluorescent Ag NCs in the AP site-containing DNA duplex is highly selective for cytosine facing the AP site and guanines flanking the site and can be employed in situ as readout for SNP detection. The fluorescent signal-on sensing for SNP based on this inorganic fluorophore is substantially advantageous over the previously reported signal-off responses using low-molecular-weight organic ligands. The strong dependence of fluorescent Ag NC formation on the sequences surrounding the AP site was successfully used to identify mutations in codon 177 of cancer supression gene p53. We anticipate that this approach will be employed to develop a practical SNP detection method by locating an AP site toward the midway cytosine in a target strand containing more than three consecutive cytosines.

Anionic conjugated polymer with aptamer-functionalized silica nanoparticle for label-free naked-eye detection of lysozyme in protein mixtures

An assay triggered by recognition-induced charge switching is developed for protein detection and quantification. Aptamer-functionalized silica nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized to capture lysozyme, resulting in an alternation of the surface charge from negative to partially positive. The binding event is then translated and monitored by the fluorescence signal of a highly fluorescent anionic poly(fluorene-alt-vinylene) (PFVSO(3)), which "stains" on protein/aptamer-NP complexes via electrostatic interaction. Blue-greenish fluorescence of PFVSO(3) is observed in the presence of lysozyme by the naked eye, while no fluorescence is obtained for NPs upon treatment with a mixture of foreign proteins. A linear relationship between NP fluorescence and lysozyme is observed in the concentration range of 0-22.5 microg/mL, which gives a limit of detection as approximately 0.36 microg/mL. This work demonstrates a convenient label-free conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE)-based protein detection with high specificity and sensitivity, which has potential applications in medical diagnosis.

Synthesis and biophysical properties of oligodeoxynucleotides containing 2'-deoxy-5-(4-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-beta-D-uridine and 2'-deoxy-5-(1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)-beta-D-uridine monomers

Detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of biologically relevant DNA and RNA samples remain a scientific and practical challenge. We have synthesized phosphoramidite building blocks and oligodeoxynucleotide probes containing novel 2'-deoxyuridine monomers modified by 5-(4-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl; (monomer X) or 2'-deoxy-5-(1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl; monomer Y) substituents. The effects of monomers X and Y on duplex thermal stability, and their capability towards discrimination of single-base mismatches were furthermore studied. Encouraging results were obtained with respect to thermal mismatch discrimination using oligodeoxynucleotides containing monomer X and fluorescence-based discrimination using oligodeoxynucleotides containing monomer Y.

Label-free and real-time sequence specific DNA detection based on supramolecular self-assembly

A new label-free, optical method was developed to detect sequence-specific DNA based on supramolecular self-assembly. A cationic phenylene ethynylene oligomer with two pairs of positively charged side chains (OPE-2) can form a J-dimer or J-aggregate with negatively charged DNA by a combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. At microM concentrations of dsDNA (number of bases in ssDNA ranges from 8 to 32), the optimum supramolecular self-assembly occurs between OPE-2 and dsDNA and is characterized by a new absorption peak emerging at 418 nm and an increase in fluorescence intensity (about 4.5-fold for dsDNA(1)). In contrast, the self-assembled complexes between OPE-2 and ssDNA are less readily formed under the same conditions. Interestingly, the induced circular dichroism (CD) signal for OPE-2/ssDNA is quite strong, likely owing to the self-assembly onto ssDNA simultaneously templating helix formation. In contrast, the induced CD signal for OPE-2/dsDNA is weak, likely because the dsDNA is in a double helix conformation, and OPE-2 associated with the dsDNA should be outside of the helix. In fact, there is a steady decrease in the induced CD signal for ssDNA with the addition of equimolar complementary ssDNA over time that allows the monitoring of DNA hybridization in real time. Introduction of mismatched bases into the target DNA sequence prevents the full hybridization between ssDNA and the target DNA. For these cases, the decrease in the induced CD signals occurs more slowly and to a lesser extent, as some of the unhybridized portions may remain in helical association with OPE-2. In view of these observed signal changes, sequence specific DNA and single nucleotide mismatch can be detected in a very simple and sensitive manner without any modification of the DNA.

Conjugated polyelectrolyte-sensitized fluorescent detection of thrombin in blood serum using aptamer-immobilized silica nanoparticles as the platform

The detection of disease-related proteins in complex biological media demands sensitive, reliable, and low-cost sensing methods. We present here an assay with aptamer-functionalized silica nanoparticles (NPs) as the sensory platform for thrombin detection in blood serum. As a result of specific protein/aptamer interaction, the presence of thrombin induces the primary aptamer-functionalized NPs to form a sandwich structure with fluorescein-labeled secondary aptamer and results in fluorescent NPs. A conjugated polyelectrolyte is further added to the NP solution to amplify the fluorescent signal. The assay shows high specificity for thrombin detection in serum. In addition, a detection limit of 1.06 nM is obtained, which is significantly improved as compared to that for many fluorescence-based thrombin detection assays. Using lysozyme as a second example, the NP-based detection strategy is shown to be generic and could be readily applicable to the detection of other proteins in practical samples.

Peptide-mediated energy transfer between an anionic water-soluble conjugated polymer and Texas red labeled DNA for protease and nuclease activity study

We report for the first time that peptide could serve as a medium to bring an anionic conjugated polymer and a dye-labeled DNA into close proximity for energy transfer. By taking advantage of the fluorescein (Fl)-labeled peptide-mediated energy transfer between poly(9,9-bis(4'-sulfonatobutyl)fluorene-alt-1,4-phenylene) sodium salt (PFP-SO(3)Na) and Texas red (TR)-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), we develop a homogeneous assay for detection and monitoring of protease and nuclease activity in one solution using peptide/DNA complexes as the substrate. The enzymes as a proof of concept are trypsin (protease) and S1 (nuclease), respectively. In the absence of enzyme, multistep fluorescence energy transfer occurs from PFP-SO(3)Na to Fl and TR and from Fl to TR, and the TR emission dominates the solution fluorescence. In the presence of trypsin, the peptide is cleaved into fragments; the relatively weak electrostatic interaction between the small peptide fragments and the polymer fails to bring the TR-ssDNA and the polymer into close proximity for energy transfer. There is a significant decrease in TR emission and an increase in PFP-SO(3)Na emission, and the solution fluorescence appears blue. When S1 nuclease is used to cleave TR-ssDNA, a significant decrease in TR emission and an obvious increase in Fl emission are found, and the solution fluorescence appears green. The developed assay is ideal for the detection of chemical and biological molecules with DNA or protein cleaving activities.

Nanomaterials in fluorescence-based biosensing

Fluorescence-based detection is the most common method utilized in biosensing because of its high sensitivity, simplicity, and diversity. In the era of nanotechnology, nanomaterials are starting to replace traditional organic dyes as detection labels because they offer superior optical properties, such as brighter fluorescence, wider selections of excitation and emission wavelengths, higher photostability, etc. Their size- or shape-controllable optical characteristics also facilitate the selection of diverse probes for higher assay throughput. Furthermore, the nanostructure can provide a solid support for sensing assays with multiple probe molecules attached to each nanostructure, simplifying assay design and increasing the labeling ratio for higher sensitivity. The current review summarizes the applications of nanomaterials--including quantum dots, metal nanoparticles, and silica nanoparticles--in biosensing using detection techniques such as fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence lifetime measurement, and multiphoton microscopy. The advantages nanomaterials bring to the field of biosensing are discussed. The review also points out the importance of analytical separations in the preparation of nanomaterials with fine optical and physical properties for biosensing. In conclusion, nanotechnology provides a great opportunity to analytical chemists to develop better sensing strategies, but also relies on modern analytical techniques to pave its way to practical applications.

Ultrasensitive flow injection chemiluminescence detection of DNA hybridization using signal DNA probe modified with Au and CuS nanoparticles

A novel and sensitive flow injection chemiluminescence assay for sequence-specific DNA detection based on signal amplification with nanoparticles (NPs) is reported in the present work. The "sandwich-type" DNA biosensor was fabricated with the thiol-functionalized capture DNA first immobilized on an Au electrode and hybridized with one end of target DNA, the other end of which was recognized with a signal DNA probe labeled with CuS NPs and Au NPs on the 3'- and 5'-terminus, respectively. The hybridization events were monitored by the CL intensity of luminol-H2O2-Cu(2+) after the cupric ions were dissolved from the hybrids. We demonstrated that the incorporation of Au NPs in this sensor design significantly enhanced the sensitivity and the selectivity because a single Au NP can be loaded with hundreds of signal DNA probe strands, which were modified with CuS NPs. The ratios of Au NPs, signal DNA probes, and CuS NPs modified on the gold electrode were approximately 1/101/103. A preconcentration process of cupric ions performed by anodic stripping voltammetry technology further increased the sensor performance. As a result of these two combined effects, this DNA sensor could detect as low as femtomolar target DNA and exhibited excellent selectivity against two-base mismatched DNA. Under the optimum conditions, the CL intensity was increased with the increase of the concentration of target DNA in the range of 2.0 x 10(-14)-2.0 x 10(-12) M. A detection limit of 4.8 x 10(-15) M target DNA was achieved.

ATP detection using a label-free DNA aptamer and a cationic tetrahedralfluorene

A simple and sensitive method for ATP detection using a label-free DNA aptamer as the recognition element and ethidium bromide (EB) as the signal reporter is reported. The ATP-binding aptamer undergoes a conformational switch from the aptamer duplex to the aptamer/target complex upon target binding, which induces the fluorescence change of intercalated EB emission. Good selectivity between ATP and CTP, GTP or UTP has been demonstrated, which is due to the specific recognition between the ATP aptamer and ATP. Using EB alone as a signal reporter, the ATP detection limit was estimated to be approximately 0.2 mM. When a light harvesting cationic tetrahedralfluorene was used as an energy donor to sensitize the intercalated EB emission, a 10-fold increase in detection limit and a 2-fold increase in detection selectivity was demonstrated. The sensitivity and selectivity of the tetrahedralfluorene sensitized assay is comparable to or better than most fluorescent ATP assays with multiple labels.