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Entropically driven cascade hybridization reactions for detection of microRNA
Runová, Alžbeta ; Cígler, Petr (advisor) ; Kožíšek, Milan (referee)
The emerging potential of miRNA molecules as diagnostic biomarkers calls for the development of a new quantification method. Current approaches usually require time-consuming and costly miRNA isolation for proper sample analysis. In this thesis, a new, isolation-free, oligonucleotide- modified gold nanoparticle (AuNP/DNA) system is proposed and designed for miRNA detection and quantification in living cells. This cascade, entropy-driven, and enzyme-free amplification system provides fluorescence signal upon selective interaction with the target miRNA. For this purpose, citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles were synthesized, and their diameters were determined by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The AuNP/DNA conjugates were prepared following a recently published "freezing method". Their reaction kinetics with the target miRNA and selectivity to various miRNAs were compared with those of an analogous DNA system without AuNPs in a series of fluorescence measurements. Furthermore, stability experiments in glutathione environment were conducted, as well as DNA electrophoresis, demonstrating the mechanistic aspects of the reaction. The reaction yields and selectivity to target miRNA of 42.31 ± 2.91 nm AuNP/DNA constructs, containing approximately 25 DNA complexes per AuNP,...
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