Ultrafast colorimetric detection of nucleic acids based on the inhibition of the oxidase activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

A label-free colorimetric method to detect nucleic acids, which relies on target DNA induced shielding of the oxidase activity of CeO₂ NPs, is developed. With this novel strategy, target nucleic acids can be identified within a few minutes and without the need for post-purification of PCR products.