Colorimetric and ultrasensitive bioassay based on a dual-amplification system using aptamer and DNAzyme

Anal Chem. 2012 Jun 5;84(11):4711-7. doi: 10.1021/ac203274k. Epub 2012 May 11.

Abstract

Rapid detection of ultralow amount of biomarkers in a biologically complex mixture remains a major challenge. Herein, we report a novel aptamer-based protein detection assay that integrates two signal amplification processes, namely, polymerase-mediated rolling-circle amplification (RCA) and DNA enzyme-catalyzed colorimetric reaction. The target biomarker is captured in a sandwich assay by primary aptamer-functionalized microbeads (MBs) and a secondary aptamer that is connected to a RCA primer/circular template complex. RCA reaction, which amplifies the single biomarker binding events by a factor of hundreds to thousands (the first amplification) produces a long DNA molecule containing multiple DNAzyme units. The peroxidase-like DNAzyme catalyzes the oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (the second amplification), which generates a blue-green colorimetric signal. This new biosensing platform permits the ultrasensitive, label-free, colorimetric detection of biomarker in real time. Using platelet-derived growth factor B-chain (PDGF-BB) as a model system, we demonstrated that our assay can detect a protein marker specifically in a serum-containing medium, at a concentration as low as 0.2 pg/mL in ∼2 h, which rivals traditional assays such as ELISA. We anticipate this simple methodology for biomarker detection can find utility in point-of-care applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Avidin
  • Becaplermin
  • Benzothiazoles
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Biotin
  • Cattle
  • Colorimetry
  • DNA Primers / chemistry
  • DNA, Catalytic / chemistry*
  • DNA, Circular / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis / blood*
  • Recombinant Proteins / blood
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine
  • Sulfonic Acids
  • Thiazoles

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Benzothiazoles
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Catalytic
  • DNA, Circular
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Sulfonic Acids
  • Thiazoles
  • Avidin
  • Becaplermin
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine
  • 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid
  • Biotin
  • Hydrogen Peroxide