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Published on: October 25, 2018
Interfacially programmable triblock DNA probes enable highly specific PDGF-BB detection via proximity
Haoran Zhao1, Lele Wang2, Yanli Wen2
1Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Process & Preservation, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
This study introduces a novel fluorescence sensing strategy for selectively detecting multimeric protein biomarkers. The method utilizes DNA probes with programmable spacing to achieve high sensitivity and specificity for targets like platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB).
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Selective detection of multimeric protein biomarkers is crucial for research and diagnostics.
- Current sensing systems face limitations due to poor control over probe organization on surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fluorescence sensing strategy for selective detection of homodimeric protein biomarkers.
- To enhance interfacial control over recognition probe spacing using DNA nanotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Developed triblock polyadenine (polyA) DNA probes for programmable interfacial spacing.
- Utilized polyA length to control recognition site distance and employed proximity hybridization-induced competitive DNA strand displacement.
- Optimized polyA length and complementary region length for balanced sensor performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved selective detection of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) with a linear response from 10-500 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 7.5 ng/mL.
- Demonstrated high specificity, with a weak response to the PDGF-AB heterodimer, confirming homodimer-specific detection.
- Showcased successful application in a human serum matrix with high spike-recovery rates (97.16%-108.55%).
Conclusions:
- The developed strategy offers a general, interface-programmable approach for proximity-based sensing of multimeric and conformation-sensitive protein targets.
- This method overcomes limitations of existing systems by precisely controlling probe spatial organization.
- Provides a robust platform for sensitive and selective biomarker detection in complex biological samples.

