Single-point mutation detection in RNA extracts using gold nanoparticles modified with hydrophobic molecular beacon-like structures

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Mar 21;50(23):3018-20. doi: 10.1039/c3cc47862a.

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles functionalized with oligonucleotides that bear a cholesterol group are used as gene sensors. The hydrophobic molecule is buried inside the nanostructure but when the complementary RNA sequence is present the structure unfolds exposing the cholesterol group to the water molecules. This rearrangement leads to the aggregation of the nanostructures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Cell Line
  • Cholesterol / analogs & derivatives
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry*
  • Oligonucleotides / genetics
  • Point Mutation
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides
  • RNA
  • Gold
  • Cholesterol