Application of graphene oxide nanosheets as probe oligonucleotide immobilization platform for DNA sensing

In this work, a simple and novel electrochemical biosensor based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) was developed for detection of DNA sequences. The morphology of prepared nanoplatform was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, infrared (FTIR) and UV/Vis absorption spectra. The fabrication processes of electrochemical biosensor were characterized with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in an aqueous solution. The optimization of experimental conditions such as immobilization of the probe BRCA1 and its hybridization with the complementary DNA was performed. Due to unique properties of graphene oxide nanosheets such as large surface area and high conductivity, a wide liner range of 1.0 × 10^?17–1.0 × 10^?9 M and detection limit of 3.3 × 10^?18 M were obtained for detection of BRCA1 5382 mutation by EIS technique. Under the optimum conditions, the proposed biosensor (ssDNA/GO/GCE) revealed suitable selectivity for discriminating the complementary sequences from non-complementary sequences, so it can be applicable for detection of breast cancer.     

Metal phosphonates applied to biotechnologies: a novel approach to oligonucleotide microarrays

A new process for preparing oligonucleotide arrays is described that uses surface grafting chemistry which is fundamentally different from the electrostatic adsorption and organic covalent binding methods normally employed. Solid supports are modified with a mixed organic/inorganic zirconium phosphonate monolayer film providing a stable, well-defined interface. Oligonucleotide probes terminated with phosphate are spotted directly on to the zirconated surface forming a covalent linkage. Specific binding of terminal phosphate groups with minimal binding of the internal phosphate diesters has been demonstrated. The mixed organic/inorganic thin films have also been extended for use arraying DNA duplex probes, and therefore represent a viable general approach to DNA-based bioarrays. Ideas for interfacing mixed organic/inorganic interfaces to other bioapplications are also discussed.     

A new strategy for utilizing activated CH-group to construct a FRET platform for ratiometric sensing of cyanides

A fluorescent and colorimetric cyanide sensor (4-Br) based on the activated C-H group to conscruct a FRET platform has been described for the first time, along with demonstration of selective and reversible detection of cyanides through it. The sensing mechanism of 4-Br is an integration of ICT and FRET mechanisms, based on the deprotonation of the activated C-H group. Importantly, it is suitable for fluorescence imaging of cyanides in living cell.     

聚胸腺嘧啶单链DNA-铜纳米簇新型荧光探针检测水中硫离子

本文建立了一种快速灵敏检测水中硫离子的新方法。该方法利用聚胸腺嘧啶单链DNA保护的铜纳米簇为荧光探针。以聚胸腺嘧啶单链DNA为模板制备了具有荧光性质的铜纳米簇,当加入S2-后,铜纳米簇荧光显著猝灭。铜纳米簇荧光猝灭量与S2-浓度在0.125~8μmol/L范围内有良好的线性,检测限为22nmol/L。该方法对S2-有较好的选择性,实际样品检测结果显示回收率良好,说明该方法可以用于实际水样中S2-的检测。由于聚胸腺嘧啶单链DNA为模板制备的铜纳米簇制备过程简单快速,可在5min内完成,使得检测时间大大缩短。     

Detection of transgenes in soybean via a polymerase chain reaction and a simple bioluminometric assay based on a universal aequorin-labeled oligonucleotide probe

The recombinant photoprotein aequorin was used as a reporter in highly sensitive and automatable hybridization assays for the analysis of transgenic sequences in genetically modified organisms (GMO). The terminator of the nopaline synthase gene (NOS) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the 35S promoter sequence were detected in genetically modified soybean. The endogenous, soybean-specific, lectin gene was also detected for confirmation of the integrity of extracted DNA. A universal detection reagent was produced through conjugation of aequorin to the oligonucleotide (dA)₃₀. Biotinylated (through PCR) products for the three target sequences were captured onto streptavidin-coated wells, and one strand was removed by NaOH treatment. The immobilized single-stranded DNAs were then hybridized with oligonucleotide probes consisting of a target-specific segment and a poly(dT) tail. This allowed the subsequent determination of all hybrids through the use of the (dA)₃₀-aequorin conjugate as a universal reagent. The bound aequorin was measured by adding Ca²⁺ and integrating the light emission for 3 s. As low as 2 pM (100 amol per well) of amplified DNA was detectable for all three targets, with a signal-to-background ratio of about 2. The analytical range extended up to 2000 pM. As low as 0.05% GMO content in soybean can be detected with a signal-to-background ratio of 8.2. The overall repeatability of the proposed assay, including DNA extraction, PCR, and hybridization assay, ranged from 7.5–19.8%. The use of a (dA)₃₀-aequorin conjugate renders the assay configuration general for any target DNA, provided that the specific probe carries a poly(dT) tail.     

Phospholipid-linked coumarin: a fluorescent probe for sensing hydroxyl radicals in lipid membranes.

A fluorescent probe, DPPEC (1,2-dipalmitoylglycerophosphorylethanolamine labeled with coumarin) was developed for detecting hydroxyl radical (*OH) in lipid membranes. The coumarin moiety contributes to the fluorescent detection of *OH and the phospholipids moiety gives a driving force to localize the probe in lipid membranes. DPPEC in liposomal membranes rapidly reacted with *OH and increased the fluorescence intensity, depending on the concentration of *OH. The increase in the fluorescence intensity induced by *OH was effectively suppressed by the addition of DMSO. The probe exhibited a higher fluorescence response to *OH over other reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, alkylperoxyl radical, and hypochlorite. DPPEC would be useful as a new type of fluorescent probe that can localize in lipid membranes and detect *OH efficiently.     

Design of an electroactive peptide probe for sensing of a protein

We designed a new electroactive peptide probe that has a molecular recognition function for the sensing of a protein. Ovalbumin (OVA) was the model protein, and when RNRCKGTDVQAW interacted with OVA, it conjugated with a tyrosine-rich peptide (Y₄C). This peptide is electroactive, has a high degree of biocompatibility, and offers the possibility of gene expression. To measure the effect of a number of the tyrosine residues, voltammetric measurements were conducted using a series of tyrosine-rich peptides (Y_nC, n = 3–7) with sensitivities that ranged from 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁸ M. The electrode response of Y₅C was the maximum value in the series. However, the peak current did not increase when the number of tyrosine residues was increased in a linear fashion. This may have been due to the micelles that are formed by a tyrosine-rich surfactant peptide. Thus, Y₄C was suitable as an electroactive label for the construction of the peptide probe. The electrode response of Y₄CRNRCKGTDVQAW obtained by a glassy carbon electrode was 100-fold that of tyrosine alone. The measurement of OVA via the peptide probe resulted in a detection on the order of 10⁻¹² M. In contrast, the sensitivity of OVA using RCKGTDVQAWY₄C probe was at the 10⁻¹¹ M level, because the hydrophobic moiety gave it a molecular recognition function. The recoveries of the OVA using Y₄CRNRCKGTDVQAW in a solution containing fetal bovine serum ranged between 98 and 101%. Consequently, the combination of a specific peptide and an electroactive element could be a powerful probe for the sensing of proteins.     

A novel BINOL-based cyclophane via click chemistry: synthesis and its applications for sensing silver ions

A novel BINOL-based cyclophane 1 incorporating two triazole moieties was synthesized via click chemistry and characterized. Among the metal ions screened, only Ag⁺ was found to have the ability to quench the fluorescence of 1 in methanol solution. The 1:1 binding mode of 1-Ag⁺ was confirmed. The competitive experiment showed that compound 1 can be used as a specific fluorescent sensor for Ag⁺ over a wide range of competing cations.     

Selective electrochemical sensing of acidic organic molecules via a novel guest-to-host proton transfer reaction

Ferrocene-containing amidopyridine receptors bind carboxylic acids and the amino acid phenylalanine in acetonitrile via a novel proton transfer process that enables guests to be electrochemically sensed by positive shifts in the ferrocene-centred redox potentials.     

Development of a novel rhodamine-type fluorescent probe to determine peroxynitrite

A flow injection (FI) method with on-line preconcentration using a mini-column loaded with 8-hydroxyquinoline immobilized on controlled pore glass (CPG-8HQ) is described for the determination of trace metals by ion chromatography (IC) with pyridine-2-6-dicarboxylic acid (PDCA) as the eluent. Copper, cadmium, lead, zinc, nickel and iron were determined at ppb level after post-column derivatization with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol (PAR). The detection limits (3sigma) for the FI/IC system were 8.27, 0.89, 0.09, 0.06, 0.09 and 0.07 g l(-1) for Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+) Ni(2+), Zn(2+) and Fe(3+), respectively, using 5 ml sample volume. The method was applied to the analysis of Malaysian natural waters.     

A novel and facile reaction to N6‐alkylated adenosine via benzotriazole as a synthetic auxiliary

The reaction of benzotriazole with aliphatic, aromatic or heteroaromatic aldehyde and adenosine leads to a benzotriazole adduct which is reduced with sodium borohydride to the corresponding N⁶‐alkylated adenosine derivatives. This procedure is also utilized in a new route to N⁶‐(3‐iodobenzyl)adenosine‐5′‐N‐methyluronamide (IB‐MECA) which is considered an important adenosine agonist at A₃ adenosine receptors.     

Poly(o-phenylenediamine) colloid-quenched fluorescent oligonucleotide as a probe for fluorescence-enhanced nucleic acid detection

In this Letter, we demonstrate that chemical oxidation polymerization of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) by potassium bichromate at room temperature results in the formation of submicrometer-scale poly(o-phenylenediamine) (POPD) colloids. Such colloids can absorb and quench dye-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) very effectively. In the presence of a target, a hybridization event occurs, which produces a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) that detaches from the POPD surface, leading to recovery of dye fluorescence. With the use of an oligonucleotide (OND) sequence associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a model system, we demonstrate the proof of concept that POPD colloid-quenched fluorescent OND can be used as a probe for fluorescence-enhanced nucleic acid detection with selectivity down to single-base mismatch.     

An alternative synthetic route to compactin via a michael-alkylation sequence

The $\text{cis}$-octalinone 1, derived from p-benzoquinone and butadiene, was transformed via a Michael-alkylation sequence to the key triene precursor 5b in a total synthesis of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor compactin.     

Crystal violet as a G-quadruplex-selective probe for sensitive amperometric sensing of lead

A sensitive and selective amperometric sensing platform for lead (Pb(2+)) was developed based on a Pb(2+)-induced G-rich DNA conformational switch from a random-coil to G-quadruplex (G4) with crystal violet as the G4-binding indicator.     

Acetylene black-ionic liquids composite electrode: a novel platform for electrochemical sensing

A novel electrochemical sensing platform was developed that is based on the modification of a glassy carbon electrode with acetylene black and ionic liquids. The resulting electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards trifluralin in showing markedly increased redox peak currents. The experimental parameters affecting the response to trifluralin were optimized. Under optimal conditions, a linear response was obtained in the range from 80 nM to 12 µM of trifluralin (R?=?0.9994). The detection limit is 10 nM (at S/N?=?3) after open-circuit accumulation for 120 s. The method was successfully applied to determine trifluralin in soil samples. Features such as a large electroactive area, fast electron transfer and low background current make this composite electrode a promising platform for fabricating reliable electrochemical sensors for various species.     

Ophthalmic glucose sensing: a novel monosaccharide sensing disposable and colorless contact lens

We have developed a technology for continuous tear glucose monitoring, and therefore potentially blood glucose monitoring, using a daily use, disposable contact lens embedded with sugar-sensing boronic acid containing fluorophores. The novelty of our approach is two fold. Firstly, the notion of sensing extremely low glucose concentrations in tears by our approach, and secondly, the unique compatibility of our new probes with the internal environment of the disposable, off-the-shelf, contact lenses, chosen because the physiological compatibility of disposable plastic contact lenses has already been assessed and optimized with regard to vision correction, size and oxygen/analyte permeability. Our findings show that our approach is indeed suitable for the continuous monitoring of tear glucose levels in the concentration range (50-500 microM), which track blood glucose levels which are approximately 5-10 fold higher. We believe our approach offers unique opportunities for non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring for diabetics, especially since many have eye disorders and require vision correction by either contact lenses or glasses, which is thought to be due to glycation of protein in blood vessels.     

Molecular beacons: a novel DNA probe for nucleic acid and protein studies

A new concept has been introduced for molecular beacon DNA molecules. Molecular beacons are a new class of oligonucleotides that can report the presence of specific nucleic acids in both homogeneous solutions and at the liquid-solid interface. They emit an intense fluorescent signal only when hybridized to their target DNA or RNA molecules. Biotinylated molecular beacons have been designed and used for the development of ultrasensitive DNA sensors and for DNA molecular interaction studies at a solid-liquid interface. Molecular beacons have also been used to study protein-DNA interactions. They have provided a variety of exciting opportunities in DNA/RNA/protein studies.     

A novel single-labeled fluorescent oligonucleotide probe for silver(I) ion detection based on the inherent quenching ability of deoxyguanosines

A novel single-labeled fluorescent oligonucleotide (OND) probe for the detection of nanomolar silver(I) ion in aqueous solution is developed based on the inherent quenching ability of deoxyguanosines. The formation of a hairpin structure of the OND-Ag(+) complex brings deoxyguanosines close to a dye, leading to a decreased fluorescence intensity of the dye owning to photoinduced electron transfer from the dye to deoxyguanosines.     

Conjugation of an oligonucleotide to Tat, a cell-penetrating peptide, via click chemistry

Uptake of diagnostic and therapeutic oligonucleotides that specifically target disease can be enhanced by attachment of a cell-penetrating peptide. Here, we describe the covalent attachment of an oligonucleotide to Tat, a biologically important cell-penetrating peptide, via click chemistry.