Naked-eye detection of specific DNA sequences amplified by the polymerase chain reaction with nanocomposite beads

We developed a novel nanocomposite bead system for detection by the naked eye of specific DNA sequences amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA probes, which were complementary to the target DNA, are conjugated with the nanocomposite beads. If the amplified products contained sequences complementary to the probes, the beads aggregated through sandwich hybridization. The aggregation was detectable as precipitation of the nanocomposite beads. The results were determined visually and did not require instrumental detection. The assay was sensitive enough to detect PCR products with a detection limit of 10 copies/tube for DNA templates. This technique is that all needed components are included within the initial cap, so that the risk of carryover contamination is very low. The nanocomposite bead system has broad application prospects for the detection of specific DNA sequences in biological and biomedical research.

Automated summary

The developed novel nanocomposite bead system can detect specific DNA sequences amplified by PCR visually without the need for instrumental detection, with a high sensitivity of detecting PCR products with a detection limit of 10 copies/tube for DNA templates. Additionally, the risk of carryover contamination is minimized as all components are included within the initial cap. This system has broad application prospects in biological and biomedical research for the detection of specific DNA sequences.