DNA-programming multicolor silver nanoclusters for sensitively simultaneous detection of two HIV DNAs

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Accurate and early detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is crucial for effective treatment and management.
• Existing diagnostic methods may lack the sensitivity or specificity required for simultaneous detection of multiple viral strains.
• Development of novel biosensing platforms is essential for advancing molecular diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, label-free fluorescent platform for the simultaneous detection of two distinct human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) oligonucleotides (DNA).
• To establish a sensing mechanism based on fluorescence enhancement of guanine-rich sequences and silver nanocluster dimer formation.
• To evaluate the platform's selectivity and sensitivity for multiplexed DNA analysis.

Main Methods:

• A DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters (AgNCs)-based fluorescent platform was engineered.
• Two distinct probes were utilized: AgNCs/G for HIV-1 detection (500 nm ex / 565 nm em) and AgNCs/AgNCs for HIV-2 detection (580 nm ex / 630 nm em).
• The sensing mechanism relied on fluorescence enhancement of G-rich sequences and the formation of AgNCs dimers.

Main Results:

• The developed nanoprobe demonstrated high selectivity for multiplexed analysis of target DNA.
• A sensitive detection limit of 11 pM was achieved for both HIV DNA targets.
• This represents the first integration of fluorescent AgNCs for simultaneous detection of two HIV DNA types.

Conclusions:

• The novel AgNCs-based fluorescent platform enables sensitive and selective simultaneous detection of two HIV DNA targets.
• This integrated method shows significant promise for applications in biomedical research and early clinical diagnosis of HIV.
• The platform's label-free and enhanced fluorescence mechanism offers a new approach in molecular diagnostics.