Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

A Droplet-Based Microfluidic Approach and Microsphere-PCR Amplification for Single-Stranded DNA Amplicons
Published on: November 14, 2018
Combination of amplification and post-amplification strategies to improve optical DNA sensing
Elsa Giakoumaki1, Maria Minunni, Sara Tombelli
1Cranfield Biotechnology Centre, Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4DT, UK.
Abstract:
The work evaluated a series of approaches to optimise detection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified DNA samples by an optical sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) (BiacoreX). The optimised procedure was based on an asymmetric PCR amplification system to amplify predominantly one DNA strand, containing the sequence complementary to a specific probe. The study moved into two directions, aiming to improve the analytical performance of SPR detection in PCR amplified products. One approach concerned the application of new strategies at the level of PCR, i.e. asymmetric PCR to obtain ssDNA amplified fragments containing the target capable of hybridisation with the immobilised complementary probe. The other strategy focused on the post-PCR amplification stage. Optimised denaturing conditions were applied to both symmetrically and asymmetrically amplified fragments. The effective combination of the two strategies allowed a rapid and specific hybridisation reaction. The developed method was successfully applied in the detection of genetically modified organisms.
Related Concept Videos
PCR
Real Time RT-PCR
The real-time quantification of the number of amplified products is...
Next-generation Sequencing
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features.
Sanger Sequencing
Labeling DNA Probes
Radioisotopes, fluorophores, or small molecule binding partners like biotin or digoxigenin, are the most widely used reporter tags for labeling DNA probes. These labels can be attached to the probe DNA molecule via...
Southern Blot
Denatured DNA fragments must be transferred onto a carrier membrane from the gel to make it accessible to a probe - a small ssDNA fragment complementary to the target DNA...

