Gold nanoparticles with asymmetric polymerase chain reaction for colorimetric detection of DNA sequence

We developed a novel strategy for rapid colorimetric analysis of a specific DNA sequence by combining gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with an asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (As-PCR). In the presence of the correct DNA template, the bound oligonucleotides on the surface of AuNPs selectively hybridized to form complementary sequences of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) target generated from As-PCR. DNA hybridization resulted in self-assembly and aggregation of AuNPs, and a concomitant color change from ruby red to blue-purple occurred. This approach is simpler than previous methods, as it requires a simple mixture of the asymmetric PCR product with gold colloid conjugates. Thus, it is a convenient colorimetric method for specific nucleic acid sequence analysis with high specificity and sensitivity. Most importantly, the marked color change occurs at a picogram detection level after standing for several minutes at room temperature. Linear amplification minimizes the potential risk of PCR product cross-contamination. The efficiency to detect Bacillus anthracis in clinical samples clearly indicates the practical applicability of this approach.