Dual Signal Amplification by Urease Catalysis and Silver Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive Colorimetric Detection of Nucleic Acids

Anal Chem. 2023 Aug 1;95(30):11359-11364. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01483. Epub 2023 Jul 18.

Abstract

Signal amplification techniques are highly desirable for the analysis of low-level targets that are closely related with diseases and the monitoring of important biological processes. However, it is still challenging to achieve this goal in a facile and economical way. Herein, we developed a novel dual signal amplification strategy by combining urease catalysis with the release of Ag+ from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This strategy was used for quantifying a DNA sequence (HIV-1) related with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). DNA target HIV-1 hybridizes with the capture DNA probe on magnetic beads and the reporter DNA probe on AgNPs, forming a sandwich complex. The captured AgNPs are then transformed into numerous Ag+ ions that inactivate numerous ureases. Without catalytic production of ammonia from urea, the substrate solution shows a low pH 5.8 that will increase otherwise. The pH change is monitored by a pH indicator (phenol red), which allows for colorimetric detection. The proposed approach is sensitive, easy to use, economic, and universal, exhibiting a low detection limit of 9.7 fM (i.e., 1.94 attomoles) and a dynamic linear range of 4 orders for HIV-1 sequence detection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques* / methods
  • Catalysis
  • Colorimetry
  • DNA Probes
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques
  • Nucleic Acids*
  • Silver
  • Urease

Substances

  • Nucleic Acids
  • Silver
  • Urease
  • DNA Probes