DNA fluorescence shift sensor: A rapid method for the detection of DNA hybridization using silver nanoclusters

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science Vol. 433; pp. 183 - 188
• Main Authors: Lee, Shin Yong, Hairul Bahara, Nur Hidayah, Choong, Yee Siew, Lim, Theam Soon, Tye, Gee Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.11.2014
• Subjects: DNA detection; DNA hybridization; DNA Probes - chemistry; DNA, Single-Stranded - analysis; DNA, Single-Stranded - chemistry; Fluorescence shift; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nucleic Acid Hybridization - methods; Silver - chemistry; Silver nanocluster (AgNC); Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Silver nanocluster (AgNC); Fluorescence shift; DNA hybridization; DNA detection
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.07.033

[Display omitted] •A DNA-templated silver nanocluster (AgNC) was designed to detect FOXP3.•FOXP3 target DNA detection with AgNC and G-rich strand showed a change in fluorescence color.•The change in color is attributed to a shift in fluorescence.•The shift in fluorescence confirms a three-way junction binding of AgNC, G-rich strand and FOXP3 target DNA. DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (AgNC) are a class of subnanometer sized fluorophores with good photostability and brightness. It has been applied as a diagnostic tool mainly for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection. Integration of DNA oligomers to generate AgNCs is interesting as varying DNA sequences can result in different fluorescence spectra. This allows a simple fluorescence shifting effect to occur upon DNA hybridization with the hybridization efficiency being a pronominal factor for successful shifting. The ability to shift the fluorescence spectra as a result of hybridization overcomes the issue of background intensities in most fluorescent based assays. Here we describe an optimized method for the detection of single-stranded and double-stranded synthetic forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) target by hybridization with the DNA fluorescence shift sensor. The system forms a three-way junction by successful hybridization of AgNC, G-rich strand (G-rich) to the target DNA, which generated a shift in fluorescence spectra with a marked increase in fluorescence intensity. The DNA fluorescence shift sensor presents a rapid and specific alternative to conventional DNA detection.