| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 866342 | Biosensors and Bioelectronics | 2015 | 5 Pages |
•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.
Graphical abstractA simple fluorescent assay for the determination of Hg2+ and Pb2+ by using a DNA intercalator GeneFinder™ and an integrated functional nucleic acid.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide
