Ultraspecific and highly sensitive nucleic acid detection by integrating a DNA catalytic network with a label-free microcavity.

ABSTRACT: Nucleic acid detection with label-free biosensors circumvents costly fluorophore functionalization steps associated with conventional assays by utilizing transducers of impressive ultimate detection limits. Despite this technological prowess, molecular recognition at a surface limits the biosensors' sensitivity, specificity, and reusability. It is therefore imperative to integrate novel molecular approaches with existing label-free transducers to overcome those limitations. Here, we demonstrate this concept by integrating a DNA strand displacement circuit with a micron-scale whispering gallery mode (WGM) microsphere biosensor. The integrated biosensor exhibits at least 25-fold improved nucleic acid sensitivity, and sets a new record for label-free microcavity biosensors by detecting 80 pM

SUBMITTER: Wu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4096343 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature