Naked-eye detection of specific DNA sequences amplified by the polymerase chain reaction with nanocomposite beads

• Published in: Analytical biochemistry Vol. 617; p. 114114
• Main Authors: Tani, Hidenori, Yamaguchi, Masahiro, Enomoto, Yasushi, Matsumura, Yasufumi, Habe, Hiroshi, Nakazato, Tetsuya, Kurata, Shinya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 15.03.2021
• Subjects: DNA probes; Naked-eye; Nanocomposite beads; PCR; Specific DNA sequences; Specific DNA sequences; Nanocomposite beads; DNA probes; Naked-eye; PCR
• ISSN: 0003-2697; 1096-0309
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114114

We developed a novel nanocomposite bead system for detection by the naked eye of specific DNA sequences amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA probes, which were complementary to the target DNA, are conjugated with the nanocomposite beads. If the amplified products contained sequences complementary to the probes, the beads aggregated through sandwich hybridization. The aggregation was detectable as precipitation of the nanocomposite beads. The results were determined visually and did not require instrumental detection. The assay was sensitive enough to detect PCR products with a detection limit of 10 copies/tube for DNA templates. This technique is that all needed components are included within the initial cap, so that the risk of carryover contamination is very low. The nanocomposite bead system has broad application prospects for the detection of specific DNA sequences in biological and biomedical research. [Display omitted] •A nanocomposite bead system for specific and highly sensitive detection of DNA sequences.•DNA-conjugated nanocomposite beads precipitated with PCR amplified products.•This naked-eye detection method is highly sensitive, with a limit of detection of 10 copies/tube of the DNA template.