Rapid Catch and Signal (RCS) Technology Platform:Multiplexed Three-Color, 30 s Microwave-Accelerated Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence DNA Assays

摘要

Abstract We present an innovative "Rapid Catch and Signal" (DNA-RCS) technology for the simultaneous highly selective detection of multiple specific DNA sequences in solution. The DNA-RCS technology combines advantages of microwave-accelerated DNA hybridization (Rapid Catch) with the metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) technology (Signal), to enable specific DNA's to be detected at high sensitivity within seconds. Fluorescent DNA labels, which play the role of molecular sensor probes, show a strong response upon DNA hybridization, due to fluorophore coupling with nanoparticle plasmons at a short (10-30 nm) distance from the surface. We have also shown that the fluorophore sensor probes demonstrate high photostability due to close proximity to a SiF surface, which significantly increases the total stability and reliability of the assay. Applications of the DNARCS technology in the life sciences, its advantages and benefits as compared to other DNA detection schemes, such as PCR, are subsequently discussed.