Multiplexed sensing of biomolecules with optically detected magnetic resonance of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

In the past decade, a great effort has been devoted to develop new biosensor platforms for the detection of a wide range of analytes. Among the various approaches, magneto-DNA assay platforms have received extended interest for high sensitive and specific detection of targets with a simultaneous manipulation capacity. Here, using nitrogen-vacancy quantum centers in diamond as transducers for magnetic nanotags (MNTs), a hydrogel-based, multiplexed magneto-DNA assay is presented. Near-background-free sensing with diamond-based imaging combined with noninvasive control of chemically robust nanotags renders it a promising platform for applications in medical diagnostics, life science, and pharmaceutical drug research. To demonstrate its potential for practical applications, we employed the sensor platform in the sandwich DNA hybridization process and achieved a limit of detection in the attomolar range with single-base mismatch differentiation.

Automated summary

In the past decade, there has been a great effort to develop new biosensor platforms for the detection of various analytes. Among these platforms, magneto-DNA assay using diamond nitrogen-vacancy quantum centers as transducers for magnetic nanotags has shown promise for high sensitive and specific detection of targets. The hydrogel-based, multiplexed magneto-DNA assay platform offers near-background-free sensing with diamond-based imaging, making it suitable for medical diagnostics, life science, and pharmaceutical drug research.