NANO-PLASMONIC MOLECULAR PROBES AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

Plasmonics-active nanoprobes are provided for detection of target biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. The nucleic acids that can be detected include RNA, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The nanoproprobes can be used in vito in sensitive detection methods for diagnosis of diseases and disorders including cancer. Multiplexing can be performed using the nanoprobes such that multiple targets can be detected simultaneously in a single sample. The methods of use of the nanoprobes include detection by a visible color change. The nanoprobes can be used in vivo for treatment of undesireable cells in a subject.

主权项

1. A method for detecting nucleic acid targets, comprising:
contacting a nanoprobe directed to a nucleic acid target in a sample with the target under conditions suitable for the target to hybridize with the nanoprobe, wherein the nanoprobe comprises:
i. at least one metal nanoparticle;ii. an oligonucleotide attached at one end to the nanoparticle, the oligonucleotide including a stem-L and a stem-R sequence capable of hybridizing to form a hairpin structure and a placeholder binding sequence in between the stem-L and stem-R sequences;iii. a placeholder nucleic acid complementary to the placeholder binding sequence and complementary to the target, wherein the placeholder nucleic acid is hybridized to the placeholder sequence in the absence of the target such that formation of the hairpin structure is prevented; andiv. an optical label attached to the oligonucleotide, irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation from an excitation source; and detecting the electromagnetic radiation originated by the label, wherein a level of electromagnetic radiation originated by the label in the presence of the target is changed due to movement of the label into the vicinity of the nanoparticle electromagnetic enhancement upon formation of the hairpin structure.