Colorimetric detection of low dose gamma radiation based on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles and its application for the blood irradiation

A simple and sensitive method has been developed for colorimetric detection of invisible gamma radiation via the color changes of single-strand DNA modified AuNPs (ssDNA-AuNPs), which was based on the cleavage of ssDNA by hydroxyl radical derived from gamma radiation. The colors of ssDNA-AuNPs changed from wine-red to blue-purple gradually within the radiation dose ranging from 0 to 30 Gy. The capability of the method has also been demonstrated for anti-radiation efficiency comparison of two different radioprotectors. In addition, the ssDNA-AuNPs prepared in this work can be used for an indicator during blood irradiation in clinical procedures.188