G-quadruplex based probes for visual detection and sensing

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biosensing
• Molecular Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Colorimetric biosensing enables rapid, on-site detection methods.
• G-quadruplex-hemin DNAzymes possess peroxidase-like activity.
• These DNAzymes are synthesized from G-rich DNA sequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for using G-quadruplex-hemin DNAzymes in optical biosensing.
• To highlight their application in detecting various chemical and biological targets.

Main Methods:

• Exploiting the peroxidase-like catalytic activity of G-quadruplex-hemin DNAzymes.
• Utilizing the oxidation of substrate precursors into colored products for detection.
• Leveraging modular G-rich DNA sequences for probe synthesis.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated versatility of DNAzymes for detecting nucleic acids, proteins, and metal ions.
• Established DNAzymes as efficient probes for colorimetric detection.
• Showcased cost-effective and convenient synthesis of DNAzyme probes.

Conclusions:

• G-quadruplex-hemin DNAzymes are powerful tools for optical biosensing.
• Their modular nature and catalytic activity facilitate diverse target detection.
• These DNAzymes hold significant potential for point-of-need applications.