Aptamer-based multicolor fluorescent gold nanoprobes for multiplex detection in homogeneous solution

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit unique optical properties and high surface area, making them suitable for biosensing applications.
• Aptamers offer high specificity and affinity for target molecules, serving as recognition elements in biosensors.
• Homogeneous detection assays offer advantages in simplicity and speed compared to heterogeneous assays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel multicolor fluorescent gold nanoprobe for the homogeneous detection of small-molecule targets.
• To combine the specific binding capabilities of aptamers with the quenching properties of gold nanoparticles for enhanced sensing.
• To demonstrate the simultaneous detection of multiple small molecules using this generic strategy.

Main Methods:

• Co-assembly of dye-tagged aptamers and their thiol-labeled complementary sequences onto the surface of gold nanoparticles.
• Utilizing the fluorescence quenching ability of gold nanoparticles to generate a signal upon target binding.
• Developing a multicolor system for simultaneous detection of different analytes.

Main Results:

• Successful design and fabrication of a multicolor fluorescent gold nanoprobe.
• Demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity for the simultaneous detection of adenosine, potassium ion, and cocaine.
• Validated the homogeneous detection format for rapid screening of small molecular targets.

Conclusions:

• The developed gold nanoprobe represents a promising generic strategy for the simultaneous detection of various small molecules.
• This approach offers potential for rapid screening applications in diagnostics and drug discovery.
• The integration of aptamers and gold nanoparticles provides a versatile platform for advanced biosensing.