Specific Small-Molecule Detection Using Designed Nucleic Acid Nanostructure Carriers and Nanopores

Anal Chem. 2024 May 28;96(21):8528-8533. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00475. Epub 2024 May 10.

Abstract

In the realm of nanopore sensor technology, an enduring challenge lies in achieving the discerning detection of small biomolecules with a sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio. This study introduces a method for reliably quantifying the concentration of target small molecules, utilizing tetrahedral DNA nanostructures as surrogates for the captured molecules through a magnetic-bead-based competition substitution mechanism. Magnetic Fe3O4-DNA tetrahedron nanoparticles (MNPs) are incorporated into a nanopore electrochemical system for small-molecule sensing. In the presence of the target, the DNA tetrahedron, featuring an aptamer tail acting as a molecular carrier, detaches from the MNPs due to aptamer deformation. Following removal of the MNPs, the DNA tetrahedron bound to the target traversed the nanopore by applying a positive potential. This approach exhibits various advantages, including heightened sensitivity, selectivity, an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and robust anti-interference capabilities. Our findings demonstrate that this innovative methodology has the potential to significantly enhance the sensing of various small-molecule targets by nanopores, thereby advancing the sensitivity and dynamic range. This progress holds promise for the development of precise clinical diagnostic tools.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide* / chemistry
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • DNA* / analysis
  • DNA* / chemistry
  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods
  • Nanopores*
  • Nanostructures* / chemistry

Substances

  • DNA
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide