Nucleic acid detection using carbon nanoparticles as a fluorescent sensing platform

In this communication, we demonstrate for the first time the proof of concept that carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) can be used as an effective fluorescent sensing platform for nucleic acid detection with selectivity down to single-base mismatch. The dye-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe is adsorbed onto the surface of the CNP via pi-pi interaction, quenching the dye. In the target assay, a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) hybrid forms, recovering dye fluorescence.