New Catalytic DNA Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensors for On‐site and Real‐time Monitoring of Industrial and Drinking Water

Lu, Yi

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/9617 Copy

Description

Title

New Catalytic DNA Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensors for On‐site and Real‐time Monitoring of Industrial and Drinking Water

Author(s)

Lu, Yi

Issue Date

2009-02

Keyword(s)

• Metals -- Analysis
• Factory and trade waste -- Analysis
• Drinking water -- Analysis

Abstract

We have developed new fluorescent and colorimetric sensor technologies for on-site, real-time detection and quantification of toxic metal ions such as lead, mercury and uranium in industrial and drinking waters. We used a combinatorial biology method called in vitro selection to obtain catalytic DNA with high specificity and selectivity for the metal ions. By labeling the DNA with either fluorophore/quencher pairs or gold nanoparticles, we have transformed the catalytic DNA into a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent or colorimetric biosensor, respectively. The presence of metal ions causes the catalytic DNA to cleave, resulting in either a dramatic increase of fluorescent signals or a distinctive change of colors. The sensors are highly sensitive (with detection limit as low as 11 ppt), and selective (with selectivity of over millions fold). The catalytic DNA fluorescent biosensors make it possible to analyze metal ions using simple portable fluorometers, and the catalytic DNA colorimetric biosensors can eliminate equipment altogether. This is possible because the toxic metal ions can be detected through simple color changes, just like pH paper.

Publisher

Champaign, IL : Illinois Waste Management and Research Center

Series/Report Name or Number

Research Report Series / Illinois Sustainable Technology Center; RR-114

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/9617

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

Owning Collections