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Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in DNA Nanosensors – Addressing Sensitivity and Selectivity Challenges in Molecular Detection
Published on: February 9, 2024
Ultrasensitive Detection of Pb2+ Based on a DNAzyme and Digital PCR
Tao Zhang1, Cong Liu1, Wuping Zhou1
1Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China.
Abstract:
In this study, an ultrasensitive detection method for aqueous Pb2+ based on digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) technology and a Pb2+-dependent DNAzyme was developed. In the presence of Pb2+, the Gr-5 DNAzyme was activated and catalyzed the hydrolytic cleavage of the substrate strand, resulting in an increase in the amount of template DNA available for dPCR and a resultant change in the number of droplets showing a positive signal. Moreover, the detection system was found to be sensitive and stable in environmental sample detection. In summary, an ultrasensitive quantitative detection method for Pb2+ within environmental substrates was established.
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