Title: A novel DNA-based nanostructure for single molecule detection purposes

Authors: Mahdi Rahaie, Mohammad R. Naghavi, Houshang Alizadeh, Mohammad A. Malboobi, Krassen Dimitrov

Addresses: Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Science and Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran 1374-14395, Iran. ' Department of Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj 3158777871, Iran. ' Department of Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj 3158777871, Iran. ' National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran 14155-6343, Iran. ' Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane Qld 4072, Australia

Abstract: Recently, interest in DNA–nanoparticle hybrid structures synthesis for developing nanoscale assemblies with innovative diagnostics, optical and magnetic properties, all combined in one single nanostructure, is increasing. In other words, nanostructures, which show fluorescent and magnetic features simultaneously, are of particular interest for diagnostics objectives, especially genetic research applications. In this work, we report the synthesis of a magnetic–fluorescent DNA-based dumbbell nanostructure with different size nanoparticles. The DNA dumbbell was made by combining a number of biological tools such as filling, digestion and protein–ligand interaction and visualised by fluorescence microscopy after molecular combing, then proved by AFM using tapping mode. The method described herein provides a new tool and view for making and designing controlled DNA-based nanostructure, which offers more perspectives in the nanomanipulation of single molecules for diagnostics purposes, such as creating barcode labels.

Keywords: DNA based nanostructures; nanoparticles; optical properties; magnetic properties; fluorescent properties; atomic force microscopy; fluorescent microscopy; labelling; single molecule detection; Iran; nanotechnology; diagnostics; single molecules; barcode labels; barcoding.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2011.040188

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2011 Vol.8 No.6/7, pp.458 - 470

Published online: 19 May 2011 *

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