Issue 4, 2016

A versatile proximity-dependent probe based on light-up DNA-scaffolded silver nanoclusters

Abstract

It is well-known that proximity-dependent probes containing an analyte recognization site and a signal formation domain could be assembled specifically into a sandwich-like structure (probe–analyte–probe) via introducing an analyte. In this work, using the design for zirconium ion (Zr4+) detection as the model, we develop a novel and reliable proximity-dependent DNA-scaffolded silver nanocluster (DNA/AgNC) probe for Zr4+ detection via target-induced emitter proximity. The proposed strategy undergoes the two following processes: target-mediated emitter pair proximity as target recognition implement and the synthesis of DNA/AgNCs with fluorescence as a signal reporter. Upon combination of the rationally designed probe with Zr4+, the intact templates were obtained according to the –PO32−−Zr4+−PO32−– pattern. The resultant structure with an emitter pair serves as a potent template to achieve highly fluorescent DNA/AgNCs. To verify the universality of the proposed proximity-dependent DNA/AgNC probe, we extend the application of the proximity-dependent probe to DNA and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection by virtue of a specific DNA complementary sequence and ATP aptamer as a recognition unit, respectively. The produced fluorescence enhancement of the DNA/AgNCs in response to the analyte concentration allows a quantitative evaluation of the target, including Zr4+, DNA, and ATP with detection limits of ∼3.00 μM, ∼9.83 nM, and ∼0.81 mM, respectively. The proposed probe possesses good performance with simple operation, cost-effectiveness, good selectivity, and without separation procedures.

Graphical abstract: A versatile proximity-dependent probe based on light-up DNA-scaffolded silver nanoclusters

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
27 Nov 2015
Accepted
13 Jan 2016
First published
13 Jan 2016

Analyst, 2016,141, 1301-1306

A versatile proximity-dependent probe based on light-up DNA-scaffolded silver nanoclusters

J. Ma, B. Yin and B. Ye, Analyst, 2016, 141, 1301 DOI: 10.1039/C5AN02446C

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