Verfahren zum Nachweis von Polynucleotidsequenzen

摘要

The invention relates to a method for detecting a polynucleotide sequence A in a sample containing a plurality of identical or different polynucleotide sequences X in the form of individual strands. The polynucleotide sequence A can be identical to one of the polynucleotide sequences X or can be contained in one of the polynucleotide sequences X in the form of a sequence segment. The method determines the binding status of the polynucleotide sequences X contained in the sample in relation to a known test polynucleotide sequence B which is complementary to polynucleotide sequence A; and comprises the following steps: preparing a test medium which contains test polynucleotide sequences B which are complementary to the polynucleotide sequence A to be detected, in the form of individual strands; and bringing the sample into contact with the test medium by introducing the sample into the test medium or applying the sample to the test medium, so that the individual strands of the polynucleotide sequences X contained in the sample can bind to the complementary test polynucleotide sequences B contained in the test medium. The following step c) is carried out in order to detect the binding of the polynucleotide sequences X to the test polynucleotide sequences B: determining at least one component of the complex index of refraction or an equivalent variable of the sample in contact with the test medium using interaction with incident electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of between 0.1 terahertz (THz) and 20 THz, preferably between 1 THz and 10 THz and then analyzing the properties of the electromagnetic radiation after the interaction, especially in terms of the time or phase delay, absorption, refraction or dispersion of the incident electromagnetic radiation caused by the interaction.