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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
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
A versatile proximity-dependent probe based on light-up DNA-scaffolded silver nanoclusters.
Jin-Liang Ma1, Bin-Cheng Yin1, Bang-Ce Ye1
1Lab of Biosystem and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China. binchengyin@ecust.edu.cn bcye@ecust.edu.cn.
This study introduces a novel DNA-scaffolded silver nanocluster probe for detecting zirconium ions (Zr4+), DNA, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The proximity-dependent probe offers a cost-effective and selective method for quantitative analysis without separation.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Proximity-dependent probes assemble into sandwich structures (probe-analyte-probe) upon analyte introduction.
- Existing methods for detecting ions like zirconium (Zr4+), DNA, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) can be complex or lack sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, reliable proximity-dependent DNA-scaffolded silver nanocluster (DNA/AgNC) probe.
- To demonstrate the probe's utility for detecting Zr(4+), DNA, and ATP through target-induced emitter proximity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a DNA/AgNC probe design incorporating a recognition site and signal formation domain.
- Employed target-mediated emitter pair proximity for recognition and synthesized fluorescent DNA/AgNCs for signal reporting.
- Verified universality by using a DNA complementary sequence for DNA detection and an ATP aptamer for ATP detection.
Main Results:
- Successfully detected Zr(4+), DNA, and ATP with high sensitivity, achieving detection limits of ~3.00 μM, ~9.83 nM, and ~0.81 mM, respectively.
- Demonstrated fluorescence enhancement of DNA/AgNCs correlating with analyte concentration for quantitative analysis.
- The probe exhibited simple operation, cost-effectiveness, good selectivity, and required no separation procedures.
Conclusions:
- The developed proximity-dependent DNA/AgNC probe is a versatile and effective tool for the quantitative detection of multiple analytes.
- The strategy offers a promising platform for developing sensitive and selective biosensors with broad applicability.
