Fluorescence cross-correlation: a new concept for polymerase chain reaction

In this article we present a new concept for the detection of any specifically amplified target DNA sequences in multiple polymerase chain reactions (PCR) based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The accumulation of double-stranded target DNA is monitored by the cross-correlated fluorescence signals provided by two amplification primers which are 5'-tagged with two different kinds of fluorophores (Rhodamine-Green and Cy5). Only the amplified target DNA sequence carrying both primers is observed. Its signal emerges from the background of non-incorporated or non-specifically incorporated primers. Down to 10-25 initial copy numbers of the template in the PCR compartment DNA can presently be detected. No external or internal standards are required for determining the size and the amplified copy number of specific DNA. The PCR amplification process is started with all ingredients in a single compartment (e.g. of a microtiter plate), in which amplification and measurement are performed. This eliminates the need for post-PCR purification steps. The homogeneous one-tube approach does not depend on fluorescence energy transfer between the fluorogenic dyes. Thus, it does not interfere with the enzymatic amplification reaction of PCR and allows the continued use of different conditions for amplifying DNA. The results exemplified by PCR-amplified 217-bp and 389-bp target DNA sequences demonstrate that the analysis based on two-color fluorescence cross-correlation is a powerful method for simplifying the identification of targets in PCR for medical use. For this purpose, an instrument optimized for two-color excitation and detection of two-color emission has been developed, incorporating the principle of confocal arrangement.