Plasmonic Nanoprobe Pairs for Nucleic Acid Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting nucleic acid biomarkers, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microRNAs, are laborious and time-consuming, particularly for early cancer diagnosis and detection, due to the small size and instability of these molecules, necessitating the development of rapid and sensitive techniques.
Innovation Solution
The use of plasmonic nanoprobe pairs, comprising a reporter nanoprobe with a plasmonic nanoparticle and an oligonucleotide reporter probe attached, and a capture nanoprobe with a complementary oligonucleotide, which hybridize to induce plasmonic coupling electromagnetic enhancement, allowing for sensitive detection and interference-based quantification of nucleic acid targets through changes in electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional detection methods are used for nucleic acid biomarkers, then detection can be performed with standard techniques, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional methods to plasmonic coupling interference-based detection. By using plasmonic nanoparticles that exhibit coupling interference effects when in proximity, the system achieves rapid detection through measurement of electromagnetic field changes, eliminating laborious steps and significantly reducing detection time while maintaining sensitivity for small nucleic acid molecules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/manual detection procedures with an optical/electromagnetic field-based detection system. The plasmonic nanoparticles generate electromagnetic field enhancements that can be detected optically, substituting labor-intensive mechanical operations with automated optical measurement, thereby improving productivity and reducing detection time.
2Measurement precision
If plasmonic nanoprobe pairs are used for detection, then sensitivity and selectivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the plasmonic nanoprobe pairs. Each nanoprobe combines the plasmonic nanoparticle for electromagnetic field enhancement, the oligonucleotide probe for specific nucleic acid binding, and the detection capability through plasmonic coupling interference. This integration achieves high sensitivity and selectivity while managing complexity through functional consolidation rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasmonic nanoprobe pairs serve multiple functions: they provide specific binding to target nucleic acids through oligonucleotide probes, generate electromagnetic field enhancements for sensitive detection, and enable selectivity through complementary base pairing. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without requiring multiple separate systems, thereby managing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Plasmonics-active nanoprobes are provided for detection of target biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. The nucleic acids that can be detected include RNA, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The nanoproprobes can be used in vito in sensitive detection methods for diagnosis of diseases and disorders including cancer. Multiplexing can be performed using the nanoprobes such that multiple targets can be detected simultaneously in a single sample. The methods of use of the nanoprobes include detection by a visible color change. The nanoprobes can be used in vivo for treatment of undesireable cells in a subject.