Fluorescent functional nucleic acid: Principles, properties and applications in bioanalyzing

Functional nucleic acids with fluorescence properties are powerful research tools for both biomolecular analysis and biological nanomaterials. This review collected these interesting FFNAs originating from diverse fields and proposed a concept of fluorescent FNA (FFNA). Eight types are addressed including fluorescent nucleotide base analogs, AP site binding molecular, light-up aptamer-fluorophore complexes, G-quadruplex-fluorophore complexes, DNA-templated noble metal nanoclusters, ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes, DNA sensitized lanthanides and traditional FFNA. Their photophysical properties, the influence of nucleic acids on them, and the recent research progress of interaction mechanisms are mainly discussed particularly. Besides, nucleic-acids and ligands based FFNA screening methods are introduced, as well as related nucleic acid tailoring strategies. Finally, the advances on application of FFNAs in biosensing and bioimaging are presented. Hopefully, this review can provide a guidance for researchers in different fields to further break down the barriers among various disciplines and stimulate the potential of FFNAs in scientific world. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article discusses the types, photophysical properties, research progress, and applications of functional nucleic acids with fluorescence properties, also introducing relevant research methods and strategies.