Novel quasi-interpenetrating network/gold nanoparticles composite matrices for DNA sequencing by CE

In order to further improve ssDNA sequencing performances using quasi-interpenetrating network (quasi-IPN) as a matrix composed of linear polyacrylamide (LPA) with lower viscosity-average molecular mass (3.3 MDa) and poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA), gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were prepared and added into this quasi-IPN to form polymer/metal composite sieving matrices. The studies of intrinsic viscosity and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on quasi-IPN and quasi-IPN/GNPs indicate that there were interactions between GNPs and polymer chains. The sequencing performances on ssDNA using quasi-IPN and quasi-IPN/GNPs (with different GNPs concentrations) as sieving matrices were studied and compared by CE at different temperatures. The results show that resolutions of quasi-IPN/GNPs were higher than those of quasi-IPN without GNPs and approximated those of quasi-IPN composed of LPA with higher MW (6.5 MDa) and PDMA without GNPs in the bare fused-silica capillaries. Furthermore, the sequencing time of quasi-IPN/GNPs was shorter than that of quasi-IPN under the same sequencing conditions. The influences of GNPs and sequencing temperature on the sequencing performances of ssDNA were also discussed. The separation reproducibility of quasi-IPN/GNPs solution was excellent and its shelf life was more than 8 months.     

Functionalized gold nanoparticles as additive to form polymer/metal composite matrix for improved DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis

A new matrix additive, poly (N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-functionalized gold nanoparticle (GNP-PDMA), was prepared by “grafting-to” approach, and then incorporated into quasi-interpenetrating network (quasi-IPN) composed of linear polyacrylamide (LPA, 3.3 MDa) and PDMA to form novel polymer/metal composite sieving matrix (quasi-IPN/GNP-PDMA) for DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis. Without complete optimization, quasi-IPN/GNP-PDMA yielded a readlength of 801 bases at 98% accuracy in about 64 min by using the ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer at 50 °C and 150 V/cm. Compared with previous quasi-IPN/GNPs, quasi-IPN/GNP-PDMA can further improve DNA sequencing performances. This is because the presence of GNP-PDMA can improve the compatibility of GNPs with the whole sequencing system, enhance the entanglement degree of networks, and increase the GNP concentration in system, which consequently lead to higher restriction and stability, higher apparent molecular weight (MW), and smaller pore size of the total sieving networks. Furthermore, the composite matrix was also compared with quasi-IPN containing higher-MW LPA and commercial POP-6. The results indicate that the composite matrix is a promising one for DNA sequencing to achieve full automation due to the separation provided with high resolution, speediness, excellent reproducibility, and easy loading in the presence of GNP-PDMA.     

Polymeric matrices for DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis

We review the wide range of polymeric materials that have been employed for DNA sequencing separations by capillary electrophoresis. Intensive research in the area has converged in showing that highly entangled solutions of hydrophilic, high molar mass polymers are required to achieve high DNA separation efficiency and long read length, system attributes that are particularly important for genomic sequencing. The extent of DNA-polymer interactions, as well as the robustness of the entangled polymer network, greatly influence the performance of a given polymer matrix for DNA separation. Further fundamental research in the field of polymer physics and chemistry is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which DNA is separated in dynamic, uncross-linked polymer networks.     

基于纳米金/壳聚糖/石墨烯的癌胚抗原阻抗型免疫传感器

研究了在PBS缓冲介质中,一种检测癌胚抗原的新型免标记阻抗型免疫传感器的制备及应用,基于石墨烯、纳米金在玻碳电极表面组装制备传感器,通过循环伏安法、交流阻抗法对制备的传感器进行表征。在优化的实验条件下,该免疫传感器的阻抗值随着检测溶液中癌胚抗原(CEA)浓度的增大而增大,并在0.1～85 ng/mL CEA范围内呈线性关系,回归方程为△Ret=1605.55+39.26ρ;检测限为0.04 ng/mL(R=0.9992)。该免疫传感器可用于临床上对CEA的检测。     

Thermodynamics of DNA hybridization on gold nanoparticles

Dynamic light scattering is used as a sensitive probe of hybridization on DNA-functionalized colloidal gold nanoparticles. When a target DNA strand possesses an 8 base "dangling end", duplex formation on the surface of the nanoparticles leads to an increase in hydrodynamic radius. Duplex melting is manifested in a drop in hydrodynamic radius with increasing temperature, and the concentration dependence of the melting temperature provides a measure of the thermodynamics of binding. The hybridization thermodynamics are found to be significantly lower at higher hybridization densities than those previously reported for initial hybridization events. The pronounced deviation from Langmuir adsorption behavior is greater for longer duplexes, and it is, therefore, consistent with electrostatic repulsion between densely packed oligonucleotides. The results have implications for sensing and DNA-directed nanoparticle assembly.     

Enzyme-free impedimetric glucose sensor based on gold nanoparticles/polyaniline composite film

A non-enzymatic impedimetric glucose sensor was fabricated based on the adsorption of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) onto conductive polyaniline (PANI)-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The modified electrode (GCE/PANI/GNPs) was characterized by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The determination of glucose concentration was based on the measurement of EIS with the mediation of electron transfer by ferricyanide ([Fe(CN)₆]^3?). The [Fe(CN)₆]^3? is reduced to ferrocyanide ([Fe(CN)₆]^4?), which in turn is oxidized at GCE/PANI/GNPs. An increase in the glucose concentration results in an increase in the diffusion current density of the [Fe(CN)₆]^4? oxidation, which corresponds to a decrease in the faradaic charge transfer resistance (R _ct). A wide linear concentration range from 0.3 to 10 mM with a lower detection limit of 0.1 mM for glucose was obtained. The proposed sensor shows high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and stability. In addition, the sensor exhibits no interference from common interfering substances such as ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, and uric acid.     

Electrostatic-assembly metallized nanoparticles network by DNA template

Eighteen-nanometer gold and 3.5-nm silver colloidal particles closely packed by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to form its positively charged shell. The DNA network was formed on a mica substrate firstly. Later, CTAB-capped gold or silver colloidal solutions were cast onto DNA network surface. It was found that the gold or silver nanoparticles metallized networks were formed owing to the electrostatic-driven template assembling of positive charge of CTAB-capped gold and silver particles on the negatively charged phosphate groups of DNA molecules by the characterizations of AFM, XPS and UV-vis. This method may provide a novel and simple way to studying nanoparticles assembly conjugating DNA molecules and offer some potential promising applications in nanocatalysis, nanoelectronics, and nanosensor on the basis of the fabricated metal nanoparticles network.     

Colorimetric detection of DNA by modulation of thrombin activity on gold nanoparticles

A colorimetric, non-cross-linking aggregation-based gold-nanoparticle (AuNP) probe has been developed for the detection of DNA and the analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The probe acts by modulating the enzyme activity of thrombin relative to fibrinogen. A thrombin-binding aptamer with a 29-base-long oligonucleotide (TBA(29)) assembled on the nanoparticles (TBA(29)-AuNPs) through sandwich DNA hybridization was found to possess ultra-high anticoagulant potency. The enzyme inhibition of thrombin was determined by thrombin-induced aggregation of fibrinogen-functionalized 56 nm AuNPs (Fib-AuNPs). The potency of the inhibition of TBA(29)-AuNPs relative to thrombin--and thus the degree of aggregation of the Fib-AuNPs--is highly dependent on the concentration of perfectly matched DNA (DNA(pm)). Under optimal conditions [Tris-HCl (20 mM, pH 7.4), KCl (5 mM), MgCl(2) (1 mM), CaCl(2) (1 mM), NaCl (150 mM), thrombin (10 pM), and TBA(29)-AuNPs (20 pM)], the new TBA(29)-AuNP/Fib-AuNP probe shows linear sensitivity to DNA(pm) in the concentration range 20-500 pM with a correlation coefficient of 0.96. The limit of detection for DNA(pm) was experimentally determined to be 12 pM, based on a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3. The new probe was successfully applied to the analysis of an SNP that is responsible for sickle cell anemia. Relative to conventional molecular-beacon-based probes, the new probe offers the advantages of higher sensitivity and selectivity towards DNA and lower cost, showing its great potential for practical studies of SNPs.     

Rapid aggregation of gold nanoparticles induced by non-cross-linking DNA hybridization

To date, aggregation of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles by hybridization of target DNA in a cross-linking configuration has been intensively studied. Here, we report that aggregation in a non-cross-linking configuration is also possible and is even better from the viewpoint of genetic analysis because of its speed and sensitivity. In this system, 15 nm diameter gold nanoparticles functionalized with (alkanethiol)-15mer DNA are hybridized to target 15mer DNA at room temperature. At high NaCl concentration (>/=0.5 M), hybridization with complementary target DNA induces nanoparticle aggregation based on the salting-out effect. The aggregation can be detected by a colorimetric change of the colloidal solution within 3 min. Furthermore, unusual sensitivity of this system for single-base mismatch at the terminus opposite to the anchored side has been discovered. In fact, target DNA with such a kind of mismatch does not induce the colorimetric change at all, while target DNA with single-base mismatch at the middle of it cannot be discriminated from the fully complementary target. This non-cross-linking aggregation system opens up a new possibility of rapid and reliable genetic analysis.     

Properties of novel gel particles with projections and preparations of composite particles with gold nanoparticles

Mono-dispersed gel particles with projections were prepared by dispersion polymerization with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate and a polyethyleneglycol (PEG) block macro azo initiator in H₂O/ethanol solutions. The effects of molecular weight of PEG blocks and polymerization conditions on the morphology and some properties were examined for the gel particles. The diameters and the extent of coagulation were different with the polymerization conditions. Relatively large specific areas and large swelling ratio with H₂O were obtained, and these values were related with the polymerization conditions. By mixing the gel particles with gold nanoparticles in solutions, composite particles were formed, which were composed of gold nanoparticles adsorbed on the gel particles. Interaction between gold nanoparticles and reactive azo groups remained in the gel particles concerned for the formation of the composite particles.     

Hetero-assembly of gold nanoparticles on a DNA origami template

Hetero-assembling of spherical building blocks with well-defined spatial distribution holds great significance in developing chiral nanostructures. Herein, a strategy for hetero-assembling of gold nanoparticles(Au NPs) was demonstrated using rigid bifacial DNA origami as templates. By tuning the sizes and the fixed location of Au NPs on DNA origami, right-handed and left-handed Au NPs nanostructures were respectively constructed. Gel electrophoresis indicated the formation of the DNA origami-Au NPs complex and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) visually displayed the arrangement of Au NPs in these two chiral structures. The spatial configuration and 3D geometry of Au NPs were further illustrated by the stereographic TEM with tilting angles from ?30° to 30°. This strategy provides a universal approach to construct the asymmetrical 3D geometries, which may have potential applications in biomimicking and nanophotonics.     

Superquenching acridinium ester chemiluminescence by gold nanoparticles for DNA detection

It was found that the chemiluminescence of acridinium ester (AE) was quenched effectively by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with Stern-Volmer constants approaching 10(10) M(-1), which was exploited to realize sequence-specific DNA detection based on the preferential absorption of AE-tagged single-strand probe on unmodified AuNPs over the hybrids of probe and target DNA.     

EXAFS studies on gold nanoparticles over novel catalytic materials

Novel nanogold catalytic systems made up of gold nanoparticles (∼2–6 nm) supported on niobium, ytterbium, lanthanum and cerium oxide materials were synthesized. XAS is uniquely suited for studying catalytic systems with low metal and high metal dispersion. Au L₃ edge X-ray absorption spectroscopic measurements were carried out over a series of supported gold nanoparticles. The interesting results obtained from EXAFS and XANES confirms the typical characteristics and structure of gold nanoparticles in these materials.     

Electropolymerized network of polyamidoamine dendron-coated gold nanoparticles as novel nanostructured electrode surface for biosensor construction

Polyfuntionalized gold nanoparticles were prepared by using 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid, p-aminothiophenol and cysteamine core polyamidoamine G-4 dendron as capping ligands. The nanoparticles were electropolymerized on a Au electrode surface through the formation of a bisaniline-cross-linked network. The enzyme tyrosinase was further crosslinked on this nanostructured matrix. The enzyme electrode, poised at -100 mV, was used for the amperometric quantification of cathecol. The biosensor showed a linear response from 50 nM to 10 μM cathecol, with a low detection limit of 20 nM and a sensitivity of 1.94 A M(-1) cm(2). The electrode retained 96% and 67% of its initial activity after 16 and 30 days of storage at 4 °C under dry conditions.     

Dendrimer films as matrices for electrochemical fabrication of novel gold/palladium bimetallic nanostructures

Electrodeposition of novel Au/Pd bimetallic nanostructures with dendrimer films as matrices has been reported. The dendrimers exhibited highly open structures arising from protonation of amines and this made them have good penetrability for solvent molecules. The unique properties of dendrimers obviously affected the morphologies and compositions of deposited bimetallic nanostructures compared with those from unmodified surfaces. Field-emitted scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy were used to characterize these nanostructures. The results showed that these bimetallic nanostructures were consisted of many small nanoparticles. Effects of ratios of KAuCl₄ and K₂PdCl₆, electrodeposition time and layer number of assembled dendrimers were thoroughly investigated. At last, electrochemical properties of the bimetallic nanostructures were also studied.     

Rapid synthesis of stable and functional conjugates of DNA/gold nanoparticles mediated by Tween 80

Gold nanoparticles conjugated with DNA represent an attractive and alternative platform for broad applications in biosensors, medical diagnostic, and biological analysis. However, current methods to conjugate DNA to gold nanoparticles are time-consuming. In this study, we report a novel approach to rapidly conjugate DNA to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to form functional DNA/AuNPs in 2-3 h using Tween 80 as protective agent. With a fluorescence-based technique, we determine that the DNA density on the surface of AuNPs achieves about ～60 strands per particles, which is comparable to the loading density in the current methods. Moreover, the DNA/AuNPs synthesized by our approach exhibit an excellent stability as a function of temperature, pH, and freeze-thaw cycle, and the functionality of DNA/AuNPs conjugates is also verified. The work presented here has important implications to develop the fast and reproducible synthesis of stable DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles.     

Scanometric analysis of DNA microarrays using DNA intercalator-conjugated gold nanoparticles

We introduce a scanometric detection method for the analysis of DNA microarrays using DNA intercalator-conjugated gold nanoparticles that can be analyzed with the naked eye or with an optical scanner after the enhancement of the AuNPs. Moreover, we successfully detected a hemagglutinin-subtyping DNA array using this method.     

Hydrogen peroxide electroreduction on composite PEDOT films with included gold nanoparticles

Composite PEDOT/Au films were obtained by chemical deposition of dispersed gold nanoparticles into PEDOT (poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conducting polymer matrix. Morphology of the obtained gold-containing films was studied by SEM and TEM methods. To study the kinetics of the hydrogen peroxide electroreduction that proceeds on glassy carbon electrodes modified with such films, we used phosphate buffer solutions containing addenda of hydrogen peroxide species. It was observed that the electroreduction process takes place on both the gold clusters?? surface and the film surface free of metal inclusions. The rate of the process is higher in the first case and rises with increasing the gold content in modifying films, but in the limit of large gold contents it is limited only by diffusion of hydrogen peroxide species in the bathing solution. A simple theory of such parallel electroreduction is proposed, which appears to allow for quantitative treatment of the obtained results.     

Hybridization thermodynamics of DNA bound to gold nanoparticles

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) was used to study the thermodynamics of hybridization on DNA-functionalized colloidal gold nanoparticles. When compared to the thermodynamics of hybridization of DNA that is free in solution, the differences in the values of the Gibbs free energy of reaction, Δ_rG°, the enthalpy, Δ_rH°, and entropy, Δ_rS°, were small. The change in Δ_rG° between the free and bound states was always positive but with statistical significance outside the 95% confidence interval, implying the free DNA is slightly more stable than when in the bound state. Additionally, ITC was also able to reveal information about the binding stoichiometry of the hybridization reactions on the DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles, and indicates that there is a significant fraction of the DNA on gold nanoparticle surface that is unavailable for DNA hybridization. Furthermore, the fraction of available DNA is dependent on the spacer group on the DNA that is used to span the gold surface from that to the probe DNA.     

Hydrogen peroxide electroreduction on composite PEDOT films with included gold nanoparticles

Composite PEDOT/Au films were obtained by chemical deposition of dispersed gold nanoparticles into PEDOT (poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conducting polymer matrix. Morphology of the obtained gold-containing films was studied by SEM and TEM methods. To study the kinetics of the hydrogen peroxide electroreduction that proceeds on glassy carbon electrodes modified with such films, we used phosphate buffer solutions containing addenda of hydrogen peroxide species. It was observed that the electroreduction process takes place on both the gold clusters’ surface and the film surface free of metal inclusions. The rate of the process is higher in the first case and rises with increasing the gold content in modifying films, but in the limit of large gold contents it is limited only by diffusion of hydrogen peroxide species in the bathing solution. A simple theory of such parallel electroreduction is proposed, which appears to allow for quantitative treatment of the obtained results.