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Optical Sensors Based on Hybrid DNA/Conjugated Polymer Complexes
Author(s) -
Ho HoangAnh,
BéraAbérem Maïté,
Leclerc Mario
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.200400537
Subject(s) - biomolecule , dna , oligonucleotide , nucleic acid , cationic polymerization , chemistry , combinatorial chemistry , polymer , biophysics , conjugated system , conformational change , biochemistry , organic chemistry , biology
Single‐stranded DNA (ss‐DNA) can specifically bind to various targets, including a complementary ss‐DNA, ions, proteins, drugs, and so forth. When binding takes place, the oligonucleotide probe often undergoes a conformational transition. This conformational change of the negatively charged ss‐DNA can be detected by using a water‐soluble, cationic polythiophene derivative, which transduces the complex formation into an optical (colorimetric or fluorometric) signal without any labeling of the probe or the target. This simple and rapid methodology has enabled the specific and sensitive detection of nucleic acids and human thrombin. This new biophotonic tool can easily be applied to the detection of various other biomolecules and is also useful in the high‐throughput screening of new drugs.