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Published on: March 21, 2018
In vitro selection of a single-stranded DNA molecular recognition element specific for bromacil
Ryan M Williams1, Amanda R Kulick2, Srilakshmi Yedlapalli3
1Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, P.O. Box 9530, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA ; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Molecular Pharmacology & Chemistry Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Researchers developed a new DNA-based sensor to detect the herbicide bromacil. This molecular recognition element (MRE) offers a rapid and efficient method for identifying bromacil contamination in environmental systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Bromacil is a prevalent herbicide, posing risks through environmental contamination.
- Current detection methods for bromacil are often inefficient and slow.
- There is a critical need for rapid, field-deployable sensing technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel sensing element for the detection of bromacil.
- To identify a specific molecular recognition element (MRE) for bromacil using in vitro selection.
Main Methods:
- Employed a stringent in vitro selection process to isolate DNA sequences.
- Screened for single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with high affinity and specificity for bromacil.
- Validated the MRE against negative targets and other common pesticides.
Main Results:
- Identified a specific ssDNA MRE with high affinity for bromacil (K d = 9.6 nM).
- Demonstrated significant specificity of the MRE for bromacil over other compounds.
- The selected MRE showed excellent performance in binding assays.
Conclusions:
- The identified ssDNA MRE is a promising candidate for bromacil detection.
- This MRE can serve as the core sensing component in a field-deployable device.
- Enables rapid and efficient environmental monitoring of bromacil contamination.
