Detection of fluorescent-labeled probes at subpicomolar concentrations by magnetic modulation

Opt Express. 2008 Nov 10;16(23):19253-9. doi: 10.1364/oe.16.019253.

Abstract

A sensitive and rapid method for detecting fluorescent dyes at low concentrations in homogenous solution is experimentally demonstrated. Fluorescent-labeled DNA probes are detected by attaching magnetic beads and applying alternating magnetic field gradient. This condenses the fluorescent probes into a small detection volume and eliminates the scattering noise from solution by synchronous detection. For DNA probes concentration of 1 x 10(-13) M the detection signal was 3.3 times higher than the noise, thereby implying detection sensitivity of 3 x 10(-14) M.

MeSH terms

  • DNA Probes / analysis*
  • DNA Probes / chemistry*
  • DNA Probes / genetics
  • Magnetics*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Molecular Probe Techniques*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA Probes