Gold Nanoprobe Colorimetric Detection for Nucleic Acid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and quantifying nucleic acids, such as DNA/RNA, are expensive, slow, and require significant sample handling, amplification, and specialized equipment, limiting their use in laboratories and applications due to high costs and handling difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a monochromatic, controllable light source and optical sensors based on amorphous or nanocrystalline silicon technology, combined with metal nanoprobes like gold, to detect and quantify colorimetric changes in biological samples, enabling qualitative and quantitative analysis of nucleic acids without the need for extensive sample preparation or specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence or radioactive methods are used for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but cost and analysis time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs colorimetric detection using gold nanoparticles that exhibit visible color changes (from red to blue/purple) upon aggregation triggered by DNA hybridization. This eliminates the need for expensive fluorescence or radioactive methods while providing rapid visual or optical detection within minutes, directly resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive gold nanoparticles and basic optical detection equipment instead of costly fluorescence or radioactive reagents. The system requires only a light source and optical sensor, making it a low-cost alternative that maintains adequate detection sensitivity without the time-consuming procedures of conventional methods.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence or radioactive methods are used for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the intrinsic color properties of gold nanoparticles that change upon aggregation. This colorimetric approach requires only simple optical equipment (light source and sensor) rather than complex fluorescence or radioactive detection systems, dramatically reducing equipment complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex fluorescence or radioactive detection equipment with simple optical components. The system can be implemented with basic light sources and optical sensors, making the equipment accessible and straightforward while achieving sufficient detection sensitivity for nucleic acid analysis.
3Measurement precision
If PCR amplification is performed before detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but analysis time and sample handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent functionalizes gold nanoparticles with single-stranded DNA probes in advance, preparing them for direct hybridization with target nucleic acids. This preliminary functionalization eliminates the need for time-consuming PCR amplification steps, allowing direct detection of native nucleic acids while maintaining sensitivity through the highly specific hybridization reaction and visible color change.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the dramatic color change of gold nanoparticles upon aggregation as a direct readout of hybridization events. This visual signal provides sufficient sensitivity without requiring PCR amplification, enabling rapid detection that preserves native nucleic acid structures and eliminates lengthy amplification protocols.
4Measurement precision
If specialized equipment and procedures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs colorimetric detection using gold nanoparticles that produce visible color changes upon DNA hybridization. This approach requires no specialized equipment or complex procedures—only simple optical observation or basic photometric measurement—making the system easy to operate while maintaining adequate measurement precision for nucleic acid detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces costs and time for analysis, allows for sensitive detection of small amounts of nucleic acids, and enables portable, self-powered systems for rapid testing, making molecular tests more accessible and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
The detection and quantification process is based on the response of a photosensor... capable of optically detecting the absorbed/emitted light. This photosensor structure detects and quantifies the colour variation... caused by metal nanoprobes
Implementation Method 2
These probes can be functionalized with specific oligonucleotides... when functionalized with the sample or aqueous solution of biological composite, as for instance oligonucleotides complementary to specific DNA/RNA sequences that are to be investigated. This colour variation is caused by metal nanoprobes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and process for detection and/or qualitative and quantitative identification of the biological material, such as specific sequences of nucleic acids or proteins as antibodies, present in biological samples. The system is composed by one or more light sources (1) combined with one or more integrated optical photo sensors, or not, and various electronic components (4), necessary for obtaining/processing of the signal emitted by the metal nanoprobes functionalized with a solution of biological composite, as well as also a micro-controller and a microprocessor, fixed or portable. This photosensor structure is able to detect and to quantify the color variations produced by metal nanoprobes, being this preferentially gold, functionalized by oligonucleotides complementary to specific DNA/RNA sequences, proteins, as for instance antibodies and/or antigens related with certain disease, or other sample or solution of biological composite, that are to be investigated. The detection and quantification process is based on the response of a photosensor, singular or integrated, based on thin film technology of amorphous, nanocrystalline or microcrystalline silicon and their alloys, as well as the new active ceramic semiconductors, amorphous and not amorphous.