title: Gold nanoparticles-based biosensing of single nucleotide DNA mutations.
abstract: Detection of DNA mutations is critical for scientific research and diagnostic procedures. Here, we propose a novel interdisciplinary method for rapid and simple detection of DNA mutations. We show that heating a solution containing DNA and gold nanoparticles results in degradation of the DNA. Surprisingly, we found that the DNA can be protected against degradation, if an oligonucleotide that matches the DNA is added to the solution. Moreover, the level of degradation indicates the presence of mutations in the DNA. The method is sensitive enough to indicate even a single nucleotide difference, and has the potential to ultimately replace initial medical genetic tests. As proof of concept, we demonstrate a clear detection of two of the most common mutations leading to Cystic Fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Engineering, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel; The Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel. pazit.polak@biu.ac.il
authors.forename: Pazit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Polak
authors.forename: Zeev
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zalevsky
authors.forename: Orit
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Shefi
mesh_terms: D020029:Base Pairing; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D009154:Mutation; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D009841:Oligonucleotides; D006046:Gold; D004247:DNA