Microwave-accelerated metal-enhanced fluorescence: application to detection of genomic and exosporium anthrax DNA in <30 seconds.
We describe the ultra-fast and sensitive detection of the gene encoding the protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis the causative agent of anthrax. Our approach employs a highly novel platform technology, Microwave-Accelerated Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence (MAMEF), which combines the use of Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence to enhance assay sensitivity and focused microwave heating to spatially and kinetically accelerate DNA hybridization. Genomic and exosporium target DNA of Bacillus anthracis spores was detected within a minute in the nanograms per microliter concentration range using low-power focused microwave heating. The MAMEF technology was able to distinguish between B. anthracis and B. cereus, a non-virulent close relative. We believe that this study has set the stage and indeed provides an opportunity for the ultra-fast and specific detection of B. anthracis spores with minimal pre-processing steps using a relatively simple but cost-effective technology that could minimize casualties in the event of another anthrax attack.
Aslan
Kadir
K
Institute of Fluorescence, Laboratory for Advanced Medical Plasmonics, Medical Biotechnology Center, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Zhang
Yongxia
Y
Hibbs
Stephen
S
Baillie
Les
L
Previte
Michael J R
MJ
Geddes
Chris D
CD
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000235:genetics*; D001409:Bacillus cereus / Q000235:genetics; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D016678:Genome; D008872:Microwaves; D049329:Nanostructures; D012834:Silver; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D012834:Silver