Aptamer-nanoparticle assembly for logic-based detection

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2012 Jun 27;4(6):3007-11. doi: 10.1021/am300374q. Epub 2012 Jun 18.

Abstract

In this work, gold nanoparticles perform Boolean logic operations in response to two proangiogenic targets important in cancer diagnosis and treatment: PDGF and VEGF. In the absence of protein target, gold nanoparticles are initially dispersed as a red solution; the addition of target proteins causes nanoparticle aggregation, turning the solution blue, as well as the release of dye-labeled aptamer probes, which causes an increase in fluorescence. These outputs constitute an AND or OR gate for simultaneous protein detection. We believe this logic-gate-based detection system will become the basis for novel rapid, cheap, and reliable sensors for diagnostic applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.