Colorimetric detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA based on DNA-templated copper nanoclusters

• A colorimetry was designed for detection of DNA based on copper nanoclusters.
• This method is ability to be monitored with the naked eye.
• This method was successfully used for the analysis of Hepatitis B virus DNA.
• The colorimetric detection exhibited excellent sensitivity.

DNA detection plays an important role in early diagnosis of genetic disease. The conventional detection methods of DNA are based on expensive equipment, which do not meet the demands of developing countries. Thus, we developed a colorimetric method, which could be observed with naked eye and used copper nanoclusters for cost-effective. Moreover, the target of this method is the DNA in Hepatitis B virus that is one of the most popular chronic viral infections in developing countries over the past years. Our method was sensitive and the limit of detection was 12 × 109 molecules. Three-base-pair mismatches target DNA was detected easily. These results revealed the favorable sensitivity and selectivity of this approach. Most importantly, our method may have potential applications in correct diagnosis of genetic disease and monitoring of gene therapy in the poverty-stricken areas.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide