Gold-Oligonucleotide Nanoconstructs Engineered to Detect Conserved Enteroviral Nucleic Acid Sequences.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Enteroviruses are widespread pathogens causing diverse illnesses.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for timely clinical intervention.
• Existing diagnostic tools may lack speed, economy, or broad-spectrum coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multimodal, point-of-care biosensor for rapid and accurate enterovirus detection.
• To identify a conserved enteroviral nucleic acid sequence for broad-spectrum detection.
• To create an economical and accessible diagnostic tool for clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• In silico screening identified a conserved 23-base enteroviral nucleic acid sequence.
• Gold nanoparticles and complementary oligonucleotides formed nanoconstructs.
• Detection utilized colorimetric, spectroscopic (blueshift), and lateral flow assays.
• Assays were validated for specificity against human genomic DNA and speed (<60s).

Main Results:

• The biosensor accurately detected the conserved enteroviral sequence with high sensitivity (≥1 × 10⁻⁷ M).
• A distinct colorimetric and spectroscopic blueshift (544 nm to 524 nm) indicated viral presence.
• Lateral flow assays showed no interference from human genomic DNA.
• Rapid detection (<60 seconds) was achieved with a custom electronic interface.

Conclusions:

• A novel, rapid, and economical point-of-care biosensor for enteroviruses was successfully developed.
• The biosensor leverages gold nanoparticle-oligonucleotide interactions for sensitive and specific detection.
• This technology has potential for broad clinical application and combating antimicrobial resistance.