Light-Driven Photocatalytic-Photothermal Synergetic System for Portable and Sensitive Nucleic Acid Quantification

Photosensitizers and photothermal agents have attracted increasing attention for in vitro diagnosis, but the combination remains challenging. Herein, a light-driven photocatalytic-photothermal synergetic system integrated microfluidic distance-based analytical device (PCPT-mu DAD) for visual, portable, sensitive, and quantitative detection of targets was developed. Target DNA was recognized and initiated the hybridization chain reaction to form a double-stranded DNA/SYBR Green I (dsDNA/SG-I) complex. By applying the photosensitization of the dsDNA/SG-I complex and the photothermal effect of oxidized 3,3 ',5,5 '-tetramethylbenzidine, the target concentration can effectively translate into a visual distance signal readout. Importantly, the light-driven PCPT-mu DAD greatly improves the controllability of catalytic reactions and signal amplification efficiency. The light-driven PCPT-mu DAD shows a low limit of detection (fM level), good stability, and high reproducibility for nucleic acid detection.

Automated summary

A light-driven photocatalytic-photothermal synergetic system integrated with a microfluidic distance-based analytical device (PCPT-mu DAD) was developed for visual, portable, sensitive, and quantitative detection of targets. This system effectively translates target concentration into a visual distance signal readout by utilizing the photosensitization and photothermal effect.