DNA hybridization detection with water-soluble conjugated polymers and chromophore-labeled single-stranded DNA

A sensor is provided that detects single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) with a specific base sequence. The ssDNA sequence sensor comprises an aqueous solution containing a cationic water-soluble conjugated polymer [in this case, poly(9,9-bis(6'-N,N,N-trimethylammonium)-hexyl)-fluorene phenylene), 1] with a ssDNA labeled with a dye (in this case, fluorescein). The emission of light from the sensor solution with the wavelength characteristic of the probe oligonucleotide indicates the presence of ssDNA with a specific base sequence complementary to that of the probe ssDNA-fluorescein. Maximum energy transfer from 1 to the signaling chromophore occurs when the ratio of polymer chains to DNA strands is approximately 1:1. Energy transfer from 1 results in a fluorescein emission that is more intense than that observed by direct excitation of the chromophore. Furthermore, the decrease in energy transfer upon addition of electrolyte indicates that electrostatic forces dominate the interactions between 1 and DNA.     

An electronic, aptamer-based small-molecule sensor for the rapid, label-free detection of cocaine in adulterated samples and biological fluids

Whereas spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for the detection of small organic molecules have achieved impressive results, these methods are generally slow and cumbersome, and thus the development of a general means for the real-time, electronic detection of such targets remains a compelling goal. Here we demonstrate a potentially general, label-free electronic method for the detection of small-molecule targets by building a rapid, reagentless biosensor for the detection of cocaine. The sensor, based on the electrochemical interrogation of a structure-switching aptamer, specifically detects micromolar cocaine in seconds. Because signal generation is based on binding-induced folding, the sensor is highly selective and works directly in blood serum and in the presence of commonly employed interferents and cutting agents, and because all of the sensor components are covalently attached to the electrode surface, the sensor is also reusable: we achieve >99% signal regeneration upon a brief, room temperature aqueous wash. Given recent advances in the generation of highly specific aptamers, this detection platform may be readily adapted for the detection of other small molecules of a wide range of clinically and environmentally relevant small molecules.