BMC Biotechnology (Apr 2005)

Detection of target DNA using fluorescent cationic polymer and peptide nucleic acid probes on solid support

  • Leclerc Mario,
  • Picard François J,
  • Boissinot Maurice,
  • Bissonnette Luc,
  • Peytavi Régis,
  • Ho Hoang-Anh,
  • Raymond Frédéric R,
  • Bergeron Michel G

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6750-5-10
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
p. 10

Abstract

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Abstract Background Nucleic acids detection using microarrays requires labelling of target nucleic acids with fluorophores or other reporter molecules prior to hybridization. Results Using surface-bound peptide nucleic acids (PNA) probes and soluble fluorescent cationic polythiophenes, we show a simple and sensitive electrostatic approach to detect and identify unlabelled target nucleic acid on microarray. Conclusion This simple methodology opens exciting possibilities for applied genetic analysis for the diagnosis of infections, identification of genetic mutations, and forensic inquiries. This electrostatic strategy could also be used with other nucleic acid detection methods such as electrochemistry, silver staining, metallization, quantum dots, or electrochemical dyes.