Fluorescent detection of Hg2+ and Pb2+ using GeneFinder™ and an integrated functional nucleic acid

• A fluorescent assay consists of GeneFinder™ (GF) and an integrated functional nucleic acid (FNA) for Hg2+ and Pb2+ detection was established.
• The principle lies in Hg2+ and Pb2+ could induce the FNA to form T–Hg2+–T and G-quadruplex structure, respectively.
• By changing the concentration of GF, Hg2+ and Pb2+ could be selectively detected with the detection limit of 3.23 ppb and 2.62 ppb, respectively.
• Feasibility in determining spiked water samples and stability of the assay were demonstrated.
• This assay holds great practicality for Hg2+ and Pb2+ detection in real matrices such as tablets, injections or drinking water.

This paper reports a simple fluorescent assay for the determination of Hg2+ and Pb2+ by using a DNA intercalator GeneFinder™ (GF) and an integrated functional nucleic acid (FNA). In the absence of Hg2+ and Pb2+, GF intercalated with the FNA and released moderate strong fluorescence. While in the presence of Hg2+ or Pb2+, the FNA would be induced to form T–Hg2+–T or G-quadruplex structure, interacted with which the GF would exhibit extremely strong or very weak fluorescence. By monitoring the fluorescence changes upon addition of these two ions, the Hg2+ and Pb2+ could be selectively detected as low as 3.23 ppb and 2.62 ppb. As the main advantage of this assay is simplicity and the feasibility was demonstrated by detecting Hg2+ and Pb2+ in spiked water samples, this assay holds great potential for the development of a cost effective and useful tool for environmental monitoring.

A simple fluorescent assay for the determination of Hg2+ and Pb2+ by using a DNA intercalator GeneFinder™ and an integrated functional nucleic acid.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide