Fluorimetric detection of DNA methylation by cerium oxide nanoparticles for early cancer diagnosis

In this study, a very sensitive fluorescence nano-biosensor was developed using CeO2 nanoparticles for the rapid detection of DNA methylation. The characteristics of CeO2 nanoparticles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The CeO2 nanoparticles were reacted with a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe, and then methylated and unmethylated target DNAs hybridized with an ssDNA probe, and the fluorescence emission was measured. Upon adding the target unmethylated and methylated ssDNA, the fluorescence intensity increased in the linear range of concentration from 2 × 10-13 - 10-18 M. The limit of detection (LOD) was 1.597 × 10-6 M for methylated DNA and 1.043 × 10-6 M for unmethylated DNA. The fluorescence emission intensity of methylated sequences was higher than of that unmethylated sequences. The fabricated DNA nanobiosensor showed a fluorescence emission at 420 nm with an excitation wavelength of 280 nm. The impact of CeO2 binding on methylated and unmethylated DNA was further demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Finally, the actual sample analysis suggested that the nanobiosensor could have practical applications for detecting methylation in the human plasma samples.

Integrating aptasensor with an explosive mass-tag signal amplification strategy for ultrasensitive and multiplexed analysis using a miniature mass spectrometer

Mass probes attached with aptamers and mass tags offer excellent specificity and sensitivity for multiplexed detection, wherein the dissociation of mass tags from the mass probes is as important as their labeling. Herein, aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen)-tagged mass probes (AIEMPs) were established to analyze estrogens, which integrated aptasensor with an explosive mass-tag signal amplification strategy via a simple ultrasound-assisted emulsification of nanoliposomes. The AIEMPs were assembled by the hybridization of aptamer-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe NPs@Apt) and nanoliposomes loaded with massive AIEgen mass tags and partially complementary DNA strands (AIE NLs@cDNA). The aptamer was preferentially and specifically bound to estrogen, resulting in the detachment of AIE NLs from AIEMPs. Subsequently, the AIEMPs were deposited with electrospray solvents for explosive release of mass tags. Using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nanoESI-MS), the AIEMP-based aptasensor achieved ultrasensitive analysis of estrogens with limits of detection of 0.168-0.543 pg/mL and accuracies in the range of 87.9-114.0%. Compared to direct nanoESI-MS detection, the AIEMP-based aptasensor provides a signal amplification of four orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the utilization of different AIEMPs enables multiplexed detection of three estrogens with a miniature mass spectrometer, showing promising potential for on-site detection. This work expands the diversity of mass-tagging strategy and provides a versatile mass probe-based aptasensor platform for routine MS detection of trace analytes.

A novel aptasensing method for detecting bisphenol A using the catalytic effect of the Fe3O4/Au nanoparticles on the reduction reaction of the silver ions

The gold electrode was functionalized with anti-bisphenol A (BPA) aptamer and captured the BPA as analyte. By dropping the aptamer-modified magnetic Fe₃O₄/Au nanoparticles solution onto the electrode, a BPA molecule attaches to many aptamers that are in contact with a large number of Fe₃O₄/Au nanoparticles. The modified electrode were transferred to a solution containing Ag⁺ ions. Fe₃O₄/Au nanoparticles reduce the Ag⁺ ions to Ag⁰. A potential scan was applied for the oxidation of the Ag⁰-loaded magnetic nanoparticles to the AgCl. The magnitude of the stripping anodic signal of the Ag⁰ was related to the concentration of the BPA. The assay shows a detection limit of 0.6 fmol L^-1 and linear range of 1 fmol L^-1-150 pmol L^-1 and. The applicability of the aptasensor is measured by its successful use in the sensing BPA in water, milk and juice samples and measuring BPA migration from different commercial plastic products.

Nucleic acid sample preparation for in vitro molecular diagnosis: from conventional techniques to biotechnology

Nucleic acid (DNA and RNA)-based molecular diagnosis is a promising laboratory technique because of its ability to identify disease accurately. However, one of its disadvantages is the inevitable purification and detection of nucleic acids from other contaminated entities. Different nano- and microparticles have been developed for use in an advanced, efficient high-throughput autosystem for the purification and detection of nucleic acid samples for use in molecular diagnoses. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of particle-based nucleic acid purification and detection.