Programmable DNA Templates for Silver Nanoclusters Synthesis To Develop On-Demand FRET Aptasensor.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (AgNCs-DNA) offer a label-free approach for fluorescence aptasensors.
• Current methods require redesigning DNA strands for each target, limiting widespread use.
• A universal DNA template is needed for on-demand aptasensor fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a stable, versatile DNA template for creating on-demand aptasensors.
• To develop a highly sensitive and specific aptasensor for mycotoxin detection.
• To demonstrate the broad applicability of the developed aptasensor platform.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized six DNA strands (DNA1-DNA6) with AgNCs templates and an aptamer coupling site.
• Evaluated the stability of synthesized AgNCs-DNA constructs.
• Developed a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) aptasensor using AgNCs-DNA1/aptamer1 and MoS2 nanosheets for aflatoxin B1 detection.

Main Results:

• AgNCs-DNA1 exhibited excellent long-term stability and was chosen as the optimal probe.
• The FRET aptasensor achieved sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 (0.03-120 ng/mL, LOD 3.6 pg/mL).
• The platform demonstrated versatility by detecting ochratoxin A and zearalenone.

Conclusions:

• AgNCs-DNA1 serves as a versatile platform for developing on-demand label-free fluorescence aptasensors.
• The developed FRET aptasensor offers high sensitivity and broad applicability for mycotoxin detection.
• This technology shows promise for food safety, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnostics.