Detection of hybridization of single-strand DNA PCR products in temperature change process by a novel metal-clamping piezoelectric sensor

Abstract

Oligonucleotide probes on the sensor surface can be hybridized with single-strand DNA (ssDNA) that is formed from PCR products in ice bath after degeneration. Thus, detection of PCR products by piezoelectric sensors requires the participation of ssDNA PCR products in ice bath. When PCR products in ice bath are added into the buffer of the sensor well at room temperature, there will be a temperature change process during mixing. However, it still remains unclear whether the temperature change affects the frequency baseline stability of the sensor and the result judgment, which is the basic condition for detecting hybridization of nucleic acid. In this study, we detected the hybridization of HPV PCR products during temperature change process by a self-designed adjustable metal-clamping piezoelectric sensor. The study mainly involves sensor adjustment, probe immobilization and ice bath sample addition (at different concentrations and different volumes). The response curve of basic frequency in temperature change process showed three stages, i.e., increase, decrease to baseline, and continuous decrease to stability. The early increase of frequency and duration of the time can reach 55+/-7.4 Hz and 39 min when 40 microL sample (0-1 degrees C) was added into 110 microL buffer (25 degrees C). The frequency increase effect caused by temperature difference at early stage depends on the volume ratio of two liquids and on the temperature difference. The results indicate that we should pay more attention to possibly small volume of PCR products in ice bath and minor temperature difference of two liquids in operation.