2′-O-Methyl molecular beacon: a promising molecular tool that permits elimination of sticky-end pairing and improvement of detection sensitivity. Issue 68 (14th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gao, Jiafeng; Li, Yang; Li, Wenqin; Zeng, Chaofei; Xi, Fengna; Huang, Jiahao; Cui, Liang
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 10:Issue 68(2020)
• Page Start: 41618
• Page End: 41624
• Publication Date: 2020-11-14
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ra07341e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : A novel fluorescence sensor is reported based on the employment of an intriguing 2′- O -methyl molecular beacon (MB) and DNase I, the coupled use of which is responsible for both the elimination of the sticky-end pairing effect and signal amplification capability. Abstract : An innovative 2′- O -methyl molecular beacon (MB) has been designed and prepared with improved thermal stability and unique nuclease resistance. The employment of 2′- O -methyl MBs helps efficiently suppress the background signal, while DNase I is responsible for the signal amplification and elimination of sticky-end pairing. The coupled use of 2′- O -methyl MBs and DNase I makes it possible to develop an enzyme-aided strategy for amplified detection of DNA targets in a sensitive and specific fashion. The analysis requires only mix-and-measure steps that can be accomplished within half an hour. The detection sensitivity is theoretically determined as 27.4 pM, which is nearly 200-fold better than that of the classic MB-based assay. This proposed sensing system also shows desired selectivity. All these features are of great importance for the design and application of MBs in biological, chemical, and biomedical fields.