DNA detection via programmed core-shell nanodot-assembly with concomitant fluorescence modulation

In this work, we designed and demonstrated a new DNA probe working on the principle of the fluorescence change with improved detection capability via building a cruciform DNA hybrid with target ODNs. In our oligodeoxynucleotide-pyrene-oligodeoxynucleotide (OPO) probe, hybridisations between the probes (OPO) and target oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are programmed to induce the formation of core-shell (pyrene-ODN) nanodot structure in aqueous solution to generate and maintain their excimer emission more efficiently. Since this novel OPO probe showed wide detection range, high-excimer emission efficiency and high reliability of excimer emission intensity, the probe is capable of application to diagnosis of genetic disease and detection of increased DNA copy number and occurrence of mutation in a real-time PCR.