Transgenic Plant Detection Using an AuNPs Based SPR Biosensor

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Biosensing
• Plant Science

Background:

• Genetically modified organism (GMO) detection is crucial due to increased commercialization of transgenic plants.
• Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a sensitive optical technique for biomolecular interaction analysis.
• Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can enhance SPR signal intensity for improved detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective method for detecting transgenic tobacco plants.
• To enhance Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) detection using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
• To detect specific transgenic DNA sequences in various plant tissues.

Main Methods:

• Developed an SPR biosensor chip utilizing functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
• Immobilized biotinylated oligonucleotide probes onto a streptavidin (SA) sensor chip for DNA hybridization.
• Employed SA-functionalized AuNPs with secondary biotinylated probes to amplify the signal.
• Isolated genomic DNA from tobacco leaves, stems, and roots for analysis.

Main Results:

• The AuNPs-enhanced SPR biosensor successfully detected non-amplified transgenic DNA.
• The method achieved a low detection limit of 1 picomolar (pM) for target DNA fragments.
• Demonstrated high repeatability and real-time, label-free detection capabilities.
• Confirmed detection in various plant tissues (leaves, stems, roots).

Conclusions:

• The developed AuNPs-enhanced SPR biosensing method offers a highly efficient approach for GMO detection.
• This technique provides sensitive, repeatable, and cost-effective analysis with a low detection limit.
• The method is suitable for detecting transgenic DNA in diverse plant tissues, offering a valuable tool for agricultural biotechnology.