Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
03:38
Aptamer-Based Target Detection Facilitated by a 3-Stage G-Quadruplex Isothermal Exponential Amplification Reaction
Published on: October 6, 2022
1.7K
Highly Selective Detection of K+ Based on a Dimerized G-Quadruplex DNAzyme
Yu Cheng1,2, Mingpan Cheng1, Jingya Hao1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 30, 2021
Summary
A novel biosensor detects potassium ions (K+) with high selectivity, even in the presence of sodium ions (Na+). This G-quadruplex DNAzyme system offers a new method for biological sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Potassium ion (K+) is vital for cellular functions and implicated in diseases.
- Detecting K+ is difficult due to its chemical similarity to sodium ions (Na+).
- Existing methods struggle with selectivity in complex biological environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly selective biosensor for potassium ion (K+) detection.
- To overcome the challenge of differentiating K+ from Na+ under physiological conditions.
- To create a versatile biosensing platform for biological applications.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a K+-promoted dimerized G-quadruplex (GQ) DNA.
- Utilizing the K+-dependent enzymatic activity of the resulting DNAzyme.
- Detection via visual color, UV-Vis absorbance, and fluorescence.
Main Results:
- Selective detection of K+ in a 1-200 mM range.
- High selectivity maintained even with Na+ concentrations up to 140 mM.
- Functional performance up to 45 °C and detection of ammonium ions (NH4+).
Conclusions:
- A novel dimerized DNAzyme-based biosensor for selective K+ detection has been developed.
- The biosensor demonstrates robustness and selectivity in challenging conditions.
- This platform holds potential for diverse biological sensing applications.
