Plasmonic Nanoparticle Conjugation for Nucleic Acid Biosensing

Methods Mol Biol. 2022:2393:73-87. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1803-5_5.

Abstract

This chapter details the use of gold nanorods conjugated with peptide nucleic acid probes for sequence-specific detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). ctDNA is gaining increased attention as a biomarker for liquid biopsy, the process of detecting molecules in the peripheral blood rather than a tissue sample. It has wide ranging applications as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker with a similar mutational profile as the tumor. Plasmonic nanoparticles offer a relatively rapid, amplification-free method for detection of ctDNA through the use of sequence-specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes. In this chapter, we discuss methods for probe design, conjugation to plasmonic particles, and ctDNA quantitation with the resulting sensor. This chapter is a resource for those looking to use plasmonic gold particles for sensing in a solution format for a range of applications.

Keywords: Biosensor; Circulating tumor DNA; Gold nanorod; Liquid biopsy; Localized surface plasmon resonance; Nanosensor; Peptide nucleic acid; Plasmonic.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Circulating Tumor DNA
  • Gold
  • Metal Nanoparticles
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Peptide Nucleic Acids
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance

Substances

  • Circulating Tumor DNA
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Peptide Nucleic Acids
  • Gold