Multiplex DNA sensor for BRAF and BRCA detection

In this article, a kind of simple, sensitive, and rapid quantum dots (QDs)-based multiplex DNA sensor is developed for the simultaneous detection of BRAF and BRCA DNA based on the “nano-on-micro” technique. In our strategy, capture DNABRCA and DNABRAF are simultaneously immobilized on the surface of amino-modified silica microbeads. After blocking with bovine serum albumin (BSA), different concentrations of target DNABRCA and DNABRAF are introduced to hybrid with complementary capture DNABRCA and DNABRAF. After hybridization, QDs546-labeled probe DNABRAF and QDs657-labeled probe DNABRCA were added into the above solution so that the unreacted capture DNABRCA and DNABRAF could be detected by QDs657-labeled probe DNABRCA and QDs546-labeled probe DNABRAF simultaneously. We demonstrate that the proposed method is effective for detecting BRAF and BRCA DNA with high sensitivity. The sensor has great potential to expand its application to the early diagnosis of cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and papillary thyroid carcinoma.