Detection of mercury(II) by DNA templated gold nanoclusters based on forming thymidine–Hg2+–thymidine duplexes. (22nd October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Shanshan; Zhuo, Yan; Miao, Hong; Zhong, Dan; Yang, Xiaoming
• Is Part Of: Luminescence. Volume 30:Number 5(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 631
• Page End: 636
• Publication Date: 2014-10-22
• Subjects: Luminescence -- Periodicals; Bioluminescence -- Periodicals; Chemiluminescence -- Periodicals; Luminescence -- Periodicals; 535.35
• DOI: 10.1002/bio.2797
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-7235

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>We have successfully synthesized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) templated with DNA (5′‐CCCCCCCCCCCCTTTTTT‐3′), and subsequently employed the fluorescent DNA‐AuNCs as a novel probe for sensitive detections of mercury ions (Hg²⁺). Basically, the procedure is due to the formation of thymidine–Hg²⁺–thymidine duplexes between DNA‐AuNCs and Hg²⁺, thus leading to aggregations of DNA‐AuNCs described here occurring, and facilitating their fluorescence decrease. Significantly, this decrease of fluorescent signals permitted sensitive detection of Hg²⁺ in a linear range of 0.1–100 µmol L⁻¹, with a detection limit of 0.083 µmol L⁻¹ at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. Additionally, the practicality of this probe for assaying Hg²⁺ in human urine and lake water samples was further validated, and showed various advantages including simplicity, selectivity, sensitivity and low cost, demonstrating its potential to broaden ways for assaying Hg²⁺ in real samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </abstract>