A colorimetric aptamer biosensor based on cationic polymer and gold nanoparticles for the ultrasensitive detection of thrombin

Biosens Bioelectron. 2014 Jun 15:56:46-50. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.01.012. Epub 2014 Jan 11.

Abstract

A colorimetric assay for the ultrasensitive determination of thrombin based on cationic polymer and gold nanoparticles was presented, in which unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was used as probes and 21-mer thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA) as sensing elements. Upon the addition of thrombin, TBA interacted specifically with thrombin to form a G-quadruplex structure. As a result, the conformation change facilitated the cationic polymer, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)-induced AuNP aggregation. Thus, the visible change in color from wine-red to blue-purple was readily seen by the naked eye. The colorimetric sensor could detect thrombin down to 1 pM with high selectivity in the presence of other interferring proteins. Furthermore, the assay was successfully employed to determine thrombin in human serum sample, which suggested its great potential for diagnostic purposes.

Keywords: Aptamer; Cationic polymer; Colorimetry; Gold nanoparticles; Thrombin.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Colorimetry / methods
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Polyethylenes / chemistry*
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Thrombin / analysis*

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Polyethylenes
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • thrombin aptamer
  • poly-N,N-dimethyl-N,N-diallylammonium chloride
  • Gold
  • Thrombin