Simple and sensitive aptamer-based colorimetric sensing of protein using unmodified gold nanoparticle probes

Abstract

We describe herein simple and sensitive aptamer-based colorimetric sensing of protein (alpha-thrombin in this work) using unmodified gold nanoparticle probes.

Applications of Nanoparticles in Biology

“…This method has been extended to mixed-aptamer systems that respond to combinations of analytes, [63,64] as well as the detection of other biomolecular systems such as platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) [65] and thrombin. [66] Nanoparticles featuring ligands targeted at specific biomolecules provide another avenue for the colorimetric detection of proteins. The bivalent lectin agglutinin specifically recognizes b-D-galactose, inducing the aggregation of galactose-functionalized nanoparticles at 1 ppm.…”

Aptamer-based Resonance Light Scattering for Sensitive Detection of Acetamiprid

“…11 Aptamers fold and form hairpin structures, and combine with the target specifically. Recently, aptamer was used to detect a series of targets, 12 such as metal ions, 13 explosives, 14 proteins, 15,16 toxins (e.g., toxin A from clostridium, ochratoxin A), 17,18 cancer cells 19,20 etc. Compared with the traditional antibodies, it has obvious advantages, including small size, easier artificial synthesis and modification, as well as chemical robustness.…”

Electrospray Facilitates the Germination of Plant Seeds

“…In recent years, Nanotechnology and Nanoparticle-related research have undergone rapid growth in various fields, including nanomedicines, drug delivery, biomedical imaging and sensing, and solar energy conversion (Guo and Dong, 2011;Yoo et al, 2011;Wei et al, 2007). Nanoparticles are defined as objects with at least one characteristic dimension less than 100 nm (Roco et al, 1993).…”