Rapid detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with spinal muscular atrophy by use of a reusable fibre-optic biosensor

Biosensing of single-nucleotide polymorphism: Technological advances and their transformative applications on health

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are important genetic changes related to many diseases such as breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and β-thalassemia. Because of the increased interest in biosensor technologies, there has been a notable surge in the creation of new techniques to identify these changes in recent years. These new methods are highly accurate and sensitive, cost-effective and fast, making them ideal for use in clinical analysis. The non-invasive nature of biosensing techniques further enhances their integration into clinical protocols and point-of-care diagnostics. Several electrochemical, optical, and mass-based biosensors are carefully examined in this extensive review; each is distinguished by unique sensing platforms and techniques. This review presents in-depth discussions of linear dynamic ranges, detection limits, and real-world applications of contemporary research in the diagnosis of biological substrate disorders.

Unraveling the influence of CRISPR/Cas13a reaction components on enhancing trans-cleavage activity for ultrasensitive on-chip RNA detection

The CRISPR/Cas13 nucleases have been widely documented for nucleic acid detection. Understanding the intricacies of CRISPR/Cas13's reaction components is pivotal for harnessing its full potential for biosensing applications. Herein, we report on the influence of CRISPR/Cas13a reaction components on its trans-cleavage activity and the development of an on-chip total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM)-powered RNA sensing system. We used SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA and pseudovirus as a model system. Our results show that optimizing Mg2+ concentration, reporter length, and crRNA combination significantly improves the detection sensitivity. Under optimized conditions, we detected 100 fM unamplified SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA using a microtiter plate reader. To further improve sensitivity and provide a new amplification-free RNA sensing toolbox, we developed a TIRFM-based amplification-free RNA sensing system. We were able to detect RNA down to 100 aM. Furthermore, the TIRM-based detection system developed in this study is 1000-fold more sensitive than the off-coverslip assay. The possible clinical applicability of the system was demonstrated by detecting SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus RNA. Our proposed sensing system has the potential to detect any target RNA with slight modifications to the existing setup, providing a universal RNA detection platform.

Recent Progress in Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Biosensors

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common form of genetic variation in the human genome, are the main cause of individual differences. Furthermore, such attractive genetic markers are emerging as important hallmarks in clinical diagnosis and treatment. A variety of destructive abnormalities, such as malignancy, cardiovascular disease, inherited metabolic disease, and autoimmune disease, are associated with single-nucleotide variants. Therefore, identification of SNPs is necessary for better understanding of the gene function and health of an individual. SNP detection with simple preparation and operational procedures, high affinity and specificity, and cost-effectiveness have been the key challenge for years. Although biosensing methods offer high specificity and sensitivity, as well, they suffer drawbacks, such as complicated designs, complicated optimization procedures, and the use of complicated chemistry designs and expensive reagents, as well as toxic chemical compounds, for signal detection and amplifications. This review aims to provide an overview on improvements for SNP biosensing based on fluorescent and electrochemical methods. Very recently, novel designs in each category have been presented in detail. Furthermore, detection limitations, advantages and disadvantages, and challenges have also been presented for each type.

Nanotechnology-based Targeting of Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Promising Tool for Efficient Delivery of Neuromedicines

Traditional drug delivery approaches remained ineffective in offering better treatment to various neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). In this context, diverse types of nanocarriers have shown their great potential to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and have emerged as a prominent carrier system in drug delivery. Moreover, nanotechnology-based methods usually involve numerous nanosized carrier platforms, which potentiate the effect of the therapeutic agents in the therapy of NDs especially in diagnosis and drug delivery with negligible side effects. In addition, nanotechnology-based techniques have offered several strategies to cross BBB to intensify the bioavailability of drug moieties in the brain. In the last few years, diverse kinds of nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed by incorporating various biocompatible components (e.g., polysaccharide-based NPs, polymeric NPs, selenium NPs, AuNPs, protein-based NPs, gadolinium NPs, etc.), that showed great therapeutic benefits against NDs. Eventually, this review provides deep insights to explore recent applications of some innovative nanocarriers enclosing active molecules for the efficient treatment of NDs.

Paper-based platform for detection by hybridization using intrinsically labeled fluorescent oligonucleotide probes on quantum dots

A paper-based platform was investigated in which the selective detection of oligonucleotide targets by hybridization was accomplished via the enhancement of fluorescence emission from intrinsically labeled DNA probes that were immobilized on the surface of quantum dots (QDs). Multiple copies of a derivative of thiazole orange, an intercalating dye known to form non-emissive dimers, were conjugated to single-stranded oligonucleotide probes. Dimerization resulted in the formation of H-aggregates where excitonic interactions led to the suppression of fluorescence. The hybridization of the oligonucleotide probe with a complementary target resulted in the enhancement of fluorescence emission as the dimers dissociated and the dyes preferentially intercalated with the duplex. The detection of oligonucleotide targets using this configuration eliminated the need for labeling the target strands, and fluorescence intensity was proportional to the extent of hybridization. In addition, the dye molecules were excited using Foerster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) from QD donors, which resulted in improved selectivity and allowed for ratiometric detection. A solution-phase hybridization assay based on similar operational principles has been previously reported, and this new work investigated the advantages offered for this transduction scheme using paper-based solid-phase substrates. QD-probe conjugates were immobilized in sufficient density on the paper matrix to provide for multiple-donor-multiple-acceptor interactions that resulted in a 20-fold enhancement of acceptor emission compared to the solution-based assay, providing a limit of detection of 0.1 pmol. The paper-based assay provided for the reduction of the time needed for sample preparation and data acquisition, demonstrated that transduction was possible in a complex matrix (goat serum) without compromising on the performance observed in buffer solution, and that oligonucleotides generated from standard PCR amplification could be detected.

Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Nucleic Acid Hybridization Assays on Paper-Based Platforms Using Emissive Nanoparticles as Donors

Quantum dots (QDs) and upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) commonly used in bioassays and biosensors as resonance energy transfer (RET) donors. The narrow and tunable emissions of both QDs and UCNPs make them versatile RET donors that can be paired with a wide range of acceptors. Ratiometric signal processing that compares donor and acceptor emission in RET-based transduction offers improved precision, as it accounts for fluctuations in the absolute photoluminescence (PL) intensities of the donor and acceptor that can result from experimental and instrumental variations. Immobilizing NPs on a solid support avoids problems such as those that can arise with their aggregation in solution, and allows for facile layer-by-layer assembly of the interfacial chemistry. Paper is an attractive solid support for the development of point-of-care diagnostic assays given its ubiquity, low-cost, and intrinsic fluid transport by capillary action. Integration of nanomaterials with paper-based analytical devices (PADs) provides avenues to augment the analytical performance of PADs, given the unique optoelectronic properties of nanomaterials. Herein, we describe methodology for the development of PADs using QDs and UCNPs as RET donors for optical transduction of nucleic acid hybridization. Immobilization of green-emitting QDs (gQDs) on imidazole functionalized cellulose paper is described for use as RET donors with Cy3 molecular dye as acceptors for the detection of SMN1 gene fragment. We also describe the covalent immobilization of blue-emitting UCNPs on aldehyde modified cellulose paper for use as RET donors with orange-emitting QDs (oQDs) as acceptors for the detection of HPRT1 gene fragment. The data described herein is acquired using an epifluorescence microscope, and can also be collected using technology such as a typical electronic camera.

Paper-based DNA detection using lanthanide-doped LiYF4 upconversion nanocrystals as bioprobe

A novel sensitive DNA bioassay using lanthanide-doped LiYF4 upconversion nanocrystals as luminescent marker and oligonucleotide hybridization as the selective reaction is developed in a paper-based platform, providing a detection limit of 3.6 fmol.

Camera-based ratiometric fluorescence transduction of nucleic acid hybridization with reagentless signal amplification on a paper-based platform using immobilized quantum dots as donors

Paper-based diagnostic assays are gaining increasing popularity for their potential application in resource-limited settings and for point-of-care screening. Achievement of high sensitivity with precision and accuracy can be challenging when using paper substrates. Herein, we implement the red-green-blue color palette of a digital camera for quantitative ratiometric transduction of nucleic acid hybridization on a paper-based platform using immobilized quantum dots (QDs) as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). A nonenzymatic and reagentless means of signal enhancement for QD-FRET assays on paper substrates is based on the use of dry paper substrates for data acquisition. This approach offered at least a 10-fold higher assay sensitivity and at least a 10-fold lower limit of detection (LOD) as compared to hydrated paper substrates. The surface of paper was modified with imidazole groups to assemble a transduction interface that consisted of immobilized QD-probe oligonucleotide conjugates. Green-emitting QDs (gQDs) served as donors with Cy3 as an acceptor. A hybridization event that brought the Cy3 acceptor dye in close proximity to the surface of immobilized gQDs was responsible for a FRET-sensitized emission from the acceptor dye, which served as an analytical signal. A hand-held UV lamp was used as an excitation source and ratiometric analysis using an iPad camera was possible by a relative intensity analysis of the red (Cy3 photoluminescence (PL)) and green (gQD PL) color channels of the digital camera. For digital imaging using an iPad camera, the LOD of the assay in a sandwich format was 450 fmol with a dynamic range spanning 2 orders of magnitude, while an epifluorescence microscope detection platform offered a LOD of 30 fmol and a dynamic range spanning 3 orders of magnitude. The selectivity of the hybridization assay was demonstrated by detection of a single nucleotide polymorphism at a contrast ratio of 60:1. This work provides an important framework for the integration of QD-FRET methods with digital imaging for a ratiometric transduction of nucleic acid hybridization on a paper-based platform.

Colorimetric Assay for Exon 7 SMN1/SMN2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Using Gold Nanoprobes

INTRODUCTION

Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the most significant neurodegenerative diseases amongst the autosomal-recessive genetic disorders which is caused by the absence of protein survival of motor neuron (SMN). A critical nucleotide difference in SMN2 compared to SMN1 gene leads to an inefficient protein. Hence, homozygous lack of SMN1 provides a progressive disease. Due to the high prevalence, up to now, several molecular diagnostic methods have been used which most of them are lengthy, expensive, and laborious.

METHODS

In the present study, we exploited a gold nanoprobe-based method for semi-quantitative SMN1 gene dosage analysis compared to SMN2. The assay was done under hybridization process between Au nanoprobes and different ratios of SMN1/SMN2 amplicons.

RESULTS

UV-vis spectra indicated that after the salt addition, nanoprobes aggregated gradually and their peak shifted to longer wavelengths except in the stable target-nanoprobes hybridization. The results revealed that the homozygous genotype of SMN2 gene is distinguished from the heterozygous genotypes of SMN genes by the naked eye, whereas different ratio of heterozygous genotypes (SMN1/SMN2) are differentiated better from each other using peak analysis ratios.

CONCLUSION

The presented strategy is an alternative simple method for discrimination of homozygous deletion of SMN1 in less than 30 min. However, further evaluation of the assay using clinical samples is recommended prior to real-world use.

Adapting fluorescence resonance energy transfer with quantum dot donors for solid-phase hybridization assays in microtiter plate format

Methods have been developed for the solid-phase detection of nucleic acids using mixed films of quantum dots (QDs) and oligonucleotide probes in microtiter plates. Polystyrene microwells were functionalized with multidentate imidazole ligands to immobilize QDs. Oligonucleotide hybridization was transduced using QDs as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). One detection channel paired green-emitting QD donors with Cy3 acceptors and served as an internal standard. A second detection channel paired red-emitting QDs with Alexa Fluor 647 acceptors and served as the primary detection channel. A selective assay for multiple targets was demonstrated using a 96-well plate format, which combined the advantages of two-plex QD-FRET with the high-throughput capability and convenience of microtiter plates. The assay had excellent resistance to the nonspecific adsorption of DNA and discriminated between fully complementary and single base-pair mismatched sequences with a contrast ratio >2. Under optimal conditions for a single color (green QD) assay format, the limit of detection (LOD) was 4 nM, and the dynamic range was from 20 to 300 nM. In a two-color assay, the detection channel (red QD) exhibited linear response between 4 and 100 nM and a LOD of 4 nM.

A fluorescent molecular switch for room temperature operation based on oligonucleotide hybridization without labeling of probes or targets

A molecular switch was prepared by self-assembly. Neutravidin served as a template that allowed for a biotinylated probe oligonucleotide to be placed adjacent to a biotinylated long-chain linker that was terminated with thiazole orange (TO). Hybridization of probe oligonucleotide with target to form double-stranded DNA resulted in intercalation of the adjacent TO probe. This was a reversible process that could be tracked by fluorescence intensity changes. Formamide was used as a denaturant for double-stranded DNA, and could be used to depress thermal denaturation temperatures. In this work formamide had a dual function, providing for control of hybridization selectivity at room temperature, while concurrently ameliorating non-specific adsorption to improve signal-to-noise when using thiazole orange as a fluorescence signalling agent to determine oligonucleotide hybridization. Room temperature single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination for oligonucleotide targets was achieved both in solution and for molecular switches that were immobilized onto optical fibers. In solution, a concentration of 18.5% formamide provided greater than 40-fold signal difference between single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA, in contrast to only a 2-fold difference in the absence of formamide. Selectivity for SNP determination in solution was demonstrated using targets of varying lengths including a 141-base PCR amplicon. The improved signal-to-noise achieved by use of formamide is likely due to preferential displacement of dye molecules that are otherwise electrostatically bound to the polyanionic nucleic acid backbone.

Interfacial chemistry and the design of solid-phase nucleic acid hybridization assays using immobilized quantum dots as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer

The use of quantum dots (QDs) as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) offer several advantages for the development of multiplexed solid-phase QD-FRET nucleic acid hybridization assays. Designs for multiplexing have been demonstrated, but important challenges remain in the optimization of these systems. In this work, we identify several strategies based on the design of interfacial chemistry for improving sensitivity, obtaining lower limits of detection (LOD) and enabling the regeneration and reuse of solid-phase QD-FRET hybridization assays. FRET-sensitized emission from acceptor dyes associated with hybridization events at immobilized QD donors provides the analytical signal in these assays. The minimization of active sensing area reduces background from QD donor PL and allows the resolution of smaller amounts of acceptor emission, thus lowering the LOD. The association of multiple acceptor dyes with each hybridization event can enhance FRET efficiency, thereby improving sensitivity. Many previous studies have used interfacial protein layers to generate selectivity; however, transient destabilization of these layers is shown to prevent efficient regeneration. To this end, we report a protein-free interfacial chemistry and demonstrate the specific detection of as little as 2 pmol of target, as well as an improved capacity for regeneration.

Toward a solid-phase nucleic acid hybridization assay within microfluidic channels using immobilized quantum dots as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer

The optical properties and surface area of quantum dots (QDs) have made them an attractive platform for the development of nucleic acid biosensors based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Solid-phase assays based on FRET using mixtures of immobilized QD-oligonucleotide conjugates (QD biosensors) have been developed. The typical challenges associated with solid-phase detection strategies include non-specific adsorption, slow kinetics of hybridization, and sample manipulation. The new work herein has considered the immobilization of QD biosensors onto the surfaces of microfluidic channels in order to address these challenges. Microfluidic flow can be used to dynamically control stringency by adjustment of the potential in an electrokinetic-based microfluidics environment. The shearing force, Joule heating, and the competition between electroosmotic and electrophoretic mobilities allow the optimization of hybridization conditions, convective delivery of target to the channel surface to speed hybridization, amelioration of adsorption, and regeneration of the sensing surface. Microfluidic flow can also be used to deliver (for immobilization) and remove QD biosensors. QDs that were conjugated with two different oligonucleotide sequences were used to demonstrate feasibility. One oligonucleotide sequence on the QD was available as a linker for immobilization via hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides located on a glass surface within a microfluidic channel. A second oligonucleotide sequence on the QD served as a probe to transduce hybridization with target nucleic acid in a sample solution. A Cy3 label on the target was excited by FRET using green-emitting CdSe/ZnS QD donors and provided an analytical signal to explore this detection strategy. The immobilized QDs could be removed under denaturing conditions by disrupting the duplex that was used as the surface linker and thus allowed a new layer of QD biosensors to be re-coated within the channel for re-use of the microfluidic chip.

Developing mixed films of immobilized oligonucleotides and quantum dots for the multiplexed detection of nucleic acid hybridization using a combination of fluorescence resonance energy transfer and direct excitation of fluorescence

Methods have been developed for the simultaneous and selective detection of three target nucleic acid sequences based on mixed films of immobilized quantum dots (QDs) and oligonucleotide probes. CdSe/ZnS QDs were immobilized on optical fibers and conjugated with mixtures of different probe oligonucleotides. Hybridization events were detected using a combination of fluorescence from direct excitation and fluorescence sensitized by resonance energy transfer (FRET). A sandwich assay format was used to associate dye labeled reporter oligonucleotides with probe-target hybrids formed at the surface of the optical fiber. One detection channel utilized direct excitation of Pacific Blue and the two other detection channels were based on FRET. In one strategy, green emitting QDs were used as donors with Cy3 and Rhodamine Red-X acceptors. In a second strategy, green and red emitting QDs were coimmobilized and used as donors with Cy3 and Alexa Fluor 647 acceptors, respectively. Selective three-plex detection was demonstrated with both strategies. Several key design criteria that were explored to optimize the relative signal magnitude between channels included: the ratio of probe associated with direct excitation versus probes associated with FRET; the relative amounts of each FRET probe and corresponding spectral overlap; and the photoluminescence ratio between immobilized green and red emitting QDs (where applicable). Careful selection of probe sequences and lengths were important for the discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphisms in one channel without suppressing binding of target in the other two channels. This work provides a basis for the development of multiplexed biosensors that are ensemble compatible and do not require discrete sensor elements, spatial registration, sorting technology, or single molecule spectroscopy.

Real-time DNA microarray analysis

We present a quantification method for affinity-based DNA microarrays which is based on the real-time measurements of hybridization kinetics. This method, i.e. real-time DNA microarrays, enhances the detection dynamic range of conventional systems by being impervious to probe saturation in the capturing spots, washing artifacts, microarray spot-to-spot variations, and other signal amplitude-affecting non-idealities. We demonstrate in both theory and practice that the time-constant of target capturing in microarrays, similar to all affinity-based biosensors, is inversely proportional to the concentration of the target analyte, which we subsequently use as the fundamental parameter to estimate the concentration of the analytes. Furthermore, to empirically validate the capabilities of this method in practical applications, we present a FRET-based assay which enables the real-time detection in gene expression DNA microarrays.

Toward a multiplexed solid-phase nucleic acid hybridization assay using quantum dots as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Solid-phase assays using immobilized quantum dots (QDs) as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) have been developed for the selective detection of nucleic acids. QDs were immobilized on optical fibers and conjugated with probe oligonucleotides. Hybridization with acceptor labeled target oligonucleotides generated FRET-sensitized acceptor fluorescence that was used as the analytical signal. A sandwich assay was also introduced and avoided the need for target labeling. Green and red emitting CdSe/ZnS QDs were used as donors with Cy3 and Alexa Fluor 647 acceptors, respectively. Quantitative measurements were made via spectrofluorimetry or fluorescence microscopy. Detection limits as low as 1 nM were obtained, and the discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with contrast ratios as high as 31:1 was possible. The assays retained their selectivity and at least 50% of their signal when tested in bovine serum and against a large background of noncomplementary genomic DNA. Mixed films of the two colors of QD and two probe oligonucleotide sequences were prepared for multiplexed solid-phase hybridization assays. It was possible to simultaneously detect two target sequences with retention of selectivity, including SNP discrimination. This research provides an important precedent and framework for the future development of QD-based bioassays and biosensors.

Overview of electrochemical DNA biosensors: new approaches to detect the expression of life

DNA microarrays are an important tool with a variety of applications in gene expression studies, genotyping, pharmacogenomics, pathogen classification, drug discovery, sequencing and molecular diagnostics. They are having a strong impact in medical diagnostics for cancer, toxicology and infectious disease applications. A series of papers have been published describing DNA biochips as alternative to conventional microarray platforms to facilitate and ameliorate the signal readout. In this review, we will consider the different methods proposed for biochip construction, focusing on electrochemical detection of DNA. We also introduce a novel single-stranded DNA platform performing high-throughput SNP detection and gene expression profiling.

Surfaces for tuning of oligonucleotide biosensing selectivity based on surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization on glass and silicon substrates

Covalently immobilized mixed films of oligonucleotide and oligomer components on glass and silicon surfaces are reported. This work has investigated how such films can improve selectivity for the detection of multiple base-pair mismatches. The intention was to introduce a "matrix isolation" effect on oligonucleotide probe molecules by surrounding the probes with oligomers, thereby reducing oligonucleotide-to-oligonucleotide and/or oligonucleotide-to-surface interactions. Thiol-functionalized oligonucleotide was coupled onto (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) via a heterobifunctional linker, succinimidyl 4-[N-maleimidomethyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sulfo-SMCC). Using a variety of monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), oligomers were grown by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from a bromoisobutyryl NHS ester initiator which was immobilized onto APTMS sites that coated glass and oxidized silicon substrates. Various surface modification steps on silicon substrates were characterized by ellipsometry, wettability, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Polymerized HEMA (PHEMA) in mixture with oligonucleotide probes was evaluated for fluorescence transduction of hybridization. The presence of PHEMA was found to provide a sharper melt curve for hybrids containing both fully complementary and three base-pair mismatched targets, and this surface derivatization also minimized non-selective adsorption. The maximum increase in slope was improvement by a factor of 3-fold. An increase of up to 30% in difference of melting temperatures between fully complementary and 3 base-pair mismatched targets was achieved using PHEMA. The results suggest that the presence of oligomers dispersed among DNA hybrids can improve selectivity through what is believed to be a reduction of dispersity of interactions of probes with targets, and probes within their local environment at a surface.

Multidentate surface ligand exchange for the immobilization of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots and surface quantum dot-oligonucleotide conjugates

A method for synthesizing multidentate thiol ligands on fused silica surfaces (e.g., optical fibers) was developed for the immobilization of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) capped with hydrophilic or hydrophobic ligands. This work was motivated by the poor stability of QDs immobilized via monodentate thiol ligands and the need for stable immobilization strategies in the development of sensor technologies based on QDs. Multi-dentate immobilization was able to withstand washing protocols, and surface ligand exchange occurred via self-assembly through the zinc-metal affinity interaction. Atomic force and scanning electron microscopy images suggested that the QDs were immobilized at high density, approximately 2-4 x 10 (13) cm (-2). It was possible to immobilize one, two, or three colors of QD. Upon immobilization, 1-2 nm bathochromic shifts in the PL spectra were observed. This was attributed to both ligand exchange and the change in local environment. The change in environment was accompanied by a decrease in PL lifetime. Self-assembly of immobilized QD-oligonucleotide and QD-avidin conjugates was also demonstrated. These conjugates were able to hybridize with complementary oligonucleotide and bind biotin, respectively. This versatile immobilization chemistry is an important step in the development of surface-based QD nanosensors. Such technology requires QDs to be immobilized such that they remain accessible to target molecules in solution.

Point mutation detection by surface plasmon resonance imaging coupled with a temperature scan method in a model system

The detection of point mutations in genes presents clear biological and medical interest. Various methods have been considered. In this paper, we take advantage of surface plasmon resonance imaging, a technique allowing detection of unlabeled DNA hybridization. Coupled with a temperature scan, this approach allows us to determine the presence of single-point mutations in oligonucleotide samples from the analysis of DNA's melting curves in either the homozygous or heterozygous case. Moreover, these experimental data are confirmed in good agreement with numerical calculations.

Towards multi-colour strategies for the detection of oligonucleotide hybridization using quantum dots as energy donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)

The potential for a simultaneous two-colour diagnostic scheme for nucleic acids operating on the basis of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been demonstrated. Upon ultraviolet excitation, two-colours of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with conjugated oligonucleotide probes act as energy donors yielding FRET-sensitized acceptor emission upon hybridization with fluorophore (Cy3 and Alexa647) labeled target oligonucleotides. Energy transfer efficiencies, Förster distances, changes in quantum yield and lifetime, and signal-to-noise with respect to non-specific adsorption have been investigated. The dynamic range and limit-of-detection are tunable with the concentration of QD-DNA conjugate. The Cy3 and Alexa647 acceptor schemes can detect target from 4 to 100% or 10 to 100% of the QD-DNA conjugate concentration, respectively. Nanomolar limits of detection have been demonstrated in this paper, however, results indicate that picomolar detection limits can be achieved with standard instrumentation. The use of an intercalating dye (ethidium bromide) as an acceptor to alleviate non-specific adsorption is also described and increases signal-to-noise from S/N<2 to S/N=9-10. The ethidium bromide system had a dynamic range from 8 to 100% of the QD-DNA conjugate concentration and could detect target in a matrix containing an excess of non-complementary nucleic acid.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and complex formation between thiazole orange and various dye-DNA conjugates: implications in signaling nucleic acid hybridization

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was investigated between the intercalating dye thiazole orange (TO), and the dyes Cyanine 3 (Cy3), Cyanine 5 (Cy5), Carboxytetramethyl Rhodamine (TAMRA), Iowa Black FQ (IabFQ), and Iowa Black RQ (IabRQ), which were covalently immobilized at the end of dsDNA oligonucleotides. In addition to determining that TO was an effective energy donor, FRET efficiency data obtained from fluorescence lifetime measurements indicated that TO intercalated near the middle of the 19mer oligonucleotide sequence that was used in this study. Discrepancies in FRET efficiencies obtained from intensity and lifetime measurements led to the investigation of non-fluorescent complex formation between TAMRA and modified TO. The hydrophobicity of TO was modified by the addition of either an alkyl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) side-chain to study effects of dimer and aggregate formation. It was found that at stoichiometric excesses of modified TO, fluorescence quenching of TAMRA was observed, and that this could be correlated to the hydrophobicity of a TO-chain species. The TAMRA:TO-chain association constant for the TO-alkyl system was 0.043+/-0.002 M(-1), while that obtained for the TO-PEG was 0.037+/-0.002 M(-1). From the perspective of method development for the transduction of hybridization events, we present and evaluate a variety of schemes based on energy transfer between TO and an acceptor dye, and discuss the implications of complex formation in such schemes.

Towards biochips using microstructured optical fiber sensors

In this paper we present the first incorporation of a microstructured optical fiber (MOF) into biochip applications. A 16-mm-long piece of MOF is incorporated into an optic-fluidic coupler chip, which is fabricated in PMMA polymer using a CO(2) laser. The developed chip configuration allows the continuous control of liquid flow through the MOF and simultaneous optical characterization. While integrated in the chip, the MOF is functionalized towards the capture of a specific single-stranded DNA string by immobilizing a sensing layer on the microstructured internal surfaces of the fiber. The sensing layer contains the DNA string complementary to the target DNA sequence and thus operates through the highly selective DNA hybridization process. Optical detection of the captured DNA was carried out using the evanescent-wave-sensing principle. Owing to the small size of the chip, the presented technique allows for analysis of sample volumes down to 300 nL and the fabrication of miniaturized portable devices.

Optical fiber-based sensors: application to chemical biology

Optical fibers have been used to develop sensors based on nucleic acids and cells. Sensors employing DNA probes have been developed for various genomics applications and microbial pathogen detection. Live cell-based sensors have enabled the monitoring of environmental toxins, and have been used for fundamental studies on populations of individual cells. Both single-core optical fiber sensors and optical fiber sensor arrays have been used for sensing based on nucleic acids and live cells.

Synthesis and fluorescence studies of thiazole orange tethered onto oligonucleotide: development of a self-contained DNA biosensor on a fiber optic surface

Thiazole orange dyes were derivatized with ethylene glycol linkers of various lengths, and were covalently linked to the 5' end of the oligonucleotides after solid-phase synthesis. The labeled oligonucleotides exhibited enhanced fluorescence upon hybridization to complementary DNA sequences at the surfaces of optical fibers, providing for a self-contained labeling strategy. It was determined that the melt temperatures of DNA hybrids using one mixed polypyrimidine base oligonucleotide sequence were dependent on the length of the tethers, and that the melt temperature could be shifted by more than 10 degrees C when tethers were introduced.

Electrokinetically Based Approach for Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Discrimination Using a Microfluidic Device

In this work, we describe and implement an electrokinetic approach for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination using a PDMS/glass-based microfluidic chip. The technique takes advantage of precise control of the coupled thermal (Joule heating), shear (electroosmosis), and electrical (electrophoresis) energies present at an array of probes afforded by the application of external electrical potentials. Temperature controllers and embedded thermal devices are not required. The chips can be easily and inexpensively fabricated using standard microarray printing methods combined with soft-lithography patterned PDMS fluidics, making these systems easily adaptable to applications using higher density arrays. Extensive numerical simulations of the coupled flow and thermal properties and microscale thermometry experiments are described and used to characterize the in-channel conditions. It was found that optimal conditions for SNP detection occur at a lower temperature on-chip than for typical microarray experiments, thereby revealing the importance of the electrical and shear forces to the overall process. To demonstrate the clinical utility of the technique, the detection of single-base pair mutations in the survival motor neuron gene, associated with the childhood disease spinal muscular atrophy, is conducted.

Trends in the development of nucleic acid biosensors for medical diagnostics

Some of the recent advances in the field of biosensors for nucleic acid analysis in medical diagnostic applications are highlighted. Particular attention is paid in this review to the progress made in two key areas of development: (i) enhancements achieved in device selectivity, and (ii) enhancements achieved in device sensitivity.