One-pot fluorescence detection of multiple analytes in homogenous solution based on noncovalent assembly of single-walled carbon nanotubes and aptamers

We have developed a new multicolor fluorescent sensing system to detect multiple analytes in one pot. This design is based on the noncovalent assembly of dye-labeled aptamer with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by π-stacking between the nucleotide bases and the SWNTs sidewalls. In the presence of the targets, the aptamer–target binding separates the assembly of dye-labeled aptamers and SWNTs, resulting in the restoration of fluorescence signal of the dye labeled with aptamers. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate that a two-color fluorescent system can simultaneously and selectively detect two targets (thrombin and adenosine triphosphate) in a single solution. Since the method is mix-and-detect manner, the present strategy is simple and cost-effective.