Rapid aggregation of gold nanoparticles induced by non-cross-linking DNA hybridization

To date, aggregation of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles by hybridization of target DNA in a cross-linking configuration has been intensively studied. Here, we report that aggregation in a non-cross-linking configuration is also possible and is even better from the viewpoint of genetic analysis because of its speed and sensitivity. In this system, 15 nm diameter gold nanoparticles functionalized with (alkanethiol)-15mer DNA are hybridized to target 15mer DNA at room temperature. At high NaCl concentration (>/=0.5 M), hybridization with complementary target DNA induces nanoparticle aggregation based on the salting-out effect. The aggregation can be detected by a colorimetric change of the colloidal solution within 3 min. Furthermore, unusual sensitivity of this system for single-base mismatch at the terminus opposite to the anchored side has been discovered. In fact, target DNA with such a kind of mismatch does not induce the colorimetric change at all, while target DNA with single-base mismatch at the middle of it cannot be discriminated from the fully complementary target. This non-cross-linking aggregation system opens up a new possibility of rapid and reliable genetic analysis.