Intermolecular G-quadruplex structure-based fluorescent DNA detection system

► A novel “multi-donors-to-one acceptor” molecular beacon system (MB) is developed. ► An intermolecular G-quadruplex structure-based signaling probe is designed. ► For the proposed MB probe, the background fluorescence is inhibited. ► Self-quenched fluorescence can be restored by the specific binding of target. ► The current system shows an improved assay capability compared with conventional MB.