Double stranded aptamer-anchored reduced graphene oxide as target-specific nano detector

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Developing sensitive and selective methods for protein detection is crucial for diagnostics.
• Existing methods can be time-consuming and lack specificity.
• Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) offers unique properties for biosensor development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nano detector for sensitive, selective, and rapid protein detection.
• To utilize a double-stranded, dual-anchored fluorescent aptamer on rGO (DAGO).
• To demonstrate the platform's utility in biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a DAGO system with a target protein-specific fluorescent aptamer and complementary oligonucleotide anchored to rGO.
• Investigated fluorescence intensity compared to single-stranded aptamer systems.
• Validated DAGO for interferon-γ detection in buffer and human serum across a wide concentration range.
• Assessed specificity against non-target proteins (interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-α).

Main Results:

• DAGO showed a 7.3-fold increase in fluorescence intensity compared to single-stranded aptamers.
• Linear detection of interferon-γ over five orders of magnitude (0.1 ng/ml–10 μg/ml).
• High specificity for the target protein, with minimal response to non-target proteins.
• Rapid quantification (less than 10 min) in patient serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The DAGO system provides a sensitive, selective, and rapid method for protein detection.
• This platform offers new opportunities for quantifying various target proteins in biological samples.
• The DAGO nano detector is a versatile tool for biomedical applications.