PROCESS FOR DETECTING NUCLEIC ACIDS

摘要

A process for detecting nucleic acids, having the following steps: provid ing at least one nanoparticle that is functionalised for the nucleic acid to be detected by means of at least one oligonucleotide that is bound to it an d that is able to hybridize with at least one segment of a nucleic acid to b e detected; bringing the functionalised nanoparticle into contact with a sam ple in which the nucleic acid is to be detected; and measuring a property th at provides information about the degree of hybridization of the at least on e oligonucleotide with the nucleic acid to be detected. In addition, the pro cess includes the step of exciting the nanoparticles to generate heat, for e xample by means of a photothermal effect. The invention is suitable, in part icular, for high-throughput DNA analysis.