Interaction study on DNA, single-wall carbon nanotubes and acridine orange

The fluorescence of acridine orange (AO) can be quenched significantly with addition of the single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) solution, due to the formation of a hybrid complex between AO and SWCNTs. A fluorescence enhancement of approximately 18× can be observed after the addition of certain amount of DNA into the above mentioned solution. The fluorescence increase was linearly proportional to the amount of DNA added in the concentration range of 0–50.75 μM, and the DNA detection limit was down to 8.56 × 10−8 M. This method can be used to detect DNA in vitro.

► Hybrid complex of AO–SWCNTs has been utilized for DNA detection.
► The detection sensitivity can be improved due to the diminished autofluorescence.
► No more procedures have to be employed to remove free AO left in the system.