Gold-nanoparticle-based colorimetric discrimination of cancer-related point mutations with picomolar sensitivity

ACS Nano. 2013 Jun 25;7(6):5530-8. doi: 10.1021/nn401757w. Epub 2013 May 29.

Abstract

Point mutations in the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) gene are being increasingly recognized as important diagnostic and prognostic markers in cancer. In this work, we describe a rapid and low-cost method for the naked-eye detection of cancer-related point mutations in KRAS based on gold nanoparticles. This simple colorimetric assay is sensitive (limit of detection in the low picomolar range), instrument-free, and employs nonstringent room temperature conditions due to a combination of DNA-conjugated gold nanoparticles, a probe design which exploits cooperative hybridization for increased binding affinity, and signal enhancement on the surface of magnetic beads. Additionally, the scheme is suitable for point-of-care applications, as it combines naked-eye detection, small sample volumes, and isothermal (PCR-free) amplification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Colorimetry / economics
  • Colorimetry / methods*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • DNA Helicases / metabolism
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Oligonucleotide Probes / chemistry
  • Oligonucleotide Probes / genetics
  • Particle Size
  • Point Mutation*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
  • ras Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • KRAS protein, human
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Gold
  • DNA Helicases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
  • ras Proteins