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Labeling DNA Probes

Labeling DNA Probes

DNA probes are fragments of DNA labeled with a reporter tag to enable their detection or purification. The resulting labeled DNA probes can then hybridize to target nucleic acid sequences through complementary base-pairing, and may be used to recover or identify these regions.
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...

Photoluminescence: Applications

Photoluminescence: Applications

Photoluminescence offers a wide range of applications due to its inherent sensitivity and selectivity. This technique allows for both direct and indirect analyses of the analyte. Direct quantitative analysis is possible when the analyte exhibits a favorable quantum yield for fluorescence or phosphorescence. However, an indirect analysis may be feasible if the analyte is not fluorescent or phosphorescent, or if the quantum yield is unfavorable. Indirect methods include reacting the analyte with...

In-situ Hybridization

In-situ Hybridization

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a technique used to detect and localize specific DNA or RNA molecules in cells, tissue, or tissue sections using a labeled probe. The technique was first used in 1969 for the investigation of nucleic acids. It is currently an essential tool in scientific research and clinical settings, especially for diagnostic purposes.
Types of probes and labels
A probe is a complementary strand of DNA or RNA that binds to corresponding nucleotide sequences in a cell. Many...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Split Hybridization Probe Utilizing a DNA Fluorescent Light-up Aptamer as a Signal Reporter for Sequence-Specific Nucleic Acid Analysis

Split Hybridization Probe Utilizing a DNA Fluorescent Light-up Aptamer as a Signal Reporter for Sequence-Specific Nucleic Acid Analysis

Published on: July 8, 2025

Label-free luminescent oligonucleotide-based probes.

Dik-Lung Ma¹, Hong-Zhang He, Ka-Ho Leung

¹Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China. edmondma@hkbu.edu.hk

Chemical Society Reviews

|January 26, 2013

Summary

Label-free luminescent DNA-based sensors offer a promising alternative to traditional methods. These structure-switching DNA probes provide sensitive and specific analyte detection without requiring labels, advancing sensing technologies.

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Last Updated: May 14, 2026

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Using Modified Synthetic Oligonucleotides to Assay Nucleic Acid-Metabolizing Enzymes

Using Modified Synthetic Oligonucleotides to Assay Nucleic Acid-Metabolizing Enzymes

Published on: July 5, 2024

Area of Science:

Chemistry
Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Background:

Recent advances in chemistry and biology have expanded nucleic acid applications in sensing.
DNA oligonucleotides are cost-effective, structurally diverse, and highly specific tools for sensing platforms.
Existing sensing platforms often rely on covalently labeled oligonucleotides, presenting certain drawbacks.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the label-free approach for constructing luminescent DNA-based sensing platforms.
To highlight the advantages of label-free strategies over traditional labeled probes.
To discuss the mechanism of structure-switching DNA probes in analyte detection.

Main Methods:

Overview of label-free luminescent DNA-based sensing strategies.
Discussion of structure-switching mechanisms in DNA probes.
Analysis of recent examples and applications in the field.

Main Results:

Label-free strategies overcome limitations of covalently labeled oligonucleotides.
Structure-switching DNA probes enable sensitive and specific analyte detection.
Luminescent DNA-based sensors demonstrate significant potential in analytical applications.

Conclusions:

The label-free approach is a key strategy for developing advanced luminescent DNA-based sensors.
Structure-switching DNA probes offer a robust platform for sensitive and specific analyte detection.
The field of label-free luminescent DNA-based sensing is poised for continued growth and innovation.