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Photothermal PCR within 6 min based on pullulan-coated nanoplasmas for ultrafast nucleic acid analysis
Yuanyuan Zhu1, Sihan Ma2, Jungang Du1
1College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058/311215, China.
Analytica Chimica Acta
|June 1, 2026
Summary
This study introduces stable, coated nanomaterials for rapid photothermal PCR, enabling ultra-fast nucleic acid analysis. The new method achieves Salmonella DNA detection in under 10 minutes, overcoming previous limitations.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials science
- Molecular biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Photothermal PCR using nanomaterials faces challenges like polymerase inhibition and aggregation.
- Existing methods suffer from uneven heating and photobleaching of fluorescent detectors.
- Stable photothermal nanomaterials and compatible detection strategies are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stable photothermal nanomaterial for PCR.
- To create an ultra-fast photothermal PCR platform.
- To integrate PCR with CRISPR/Cas detection for rapid nucleic acid analysis.
Main Methods:
- Prepared pullulan-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs) to prevent aggregation and polymerase adsorption.
- Built a photoelectric platform utilizing infrared laser excitation for rapid heating.
- Implemented a feedback system to regulate laser and fan cycles for efficient photothermal conversion.
- Coupled photothermal PCR with CRISPR/Cas detection for fluorescence-based analysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultra-fast photothermal PCR in 6 minutes.
- Integrated CRISPR/Cas detection for fluorescence signal output in 4 minutes.
- Enabled ultra-fast detection of Salmonella DNA down to 38 copies/reaction.
Conclusions:
- Developed stable, pullulan-coated photothermal nanomaterials compatible with PCR.
- The one-tube photothermal PCR-CRISPR assay avoids light source interference and maintains airtight conditions.
- Demonstrated a simple, rapid, accurate, and contamination-free method for ultra-fast detection within 10 minutes.
