Detection of DNA using gold nanoparticle-coated silica nanoparticles.

We report a sensitive lateral flow assay (LFA) in which the assay colour change originated from reporter labels constructed from silica spheres (radius = 450 nm) coated with approximately 3.9 × 103 gold nanoparticles (radius = 8.5 nm). These reporter labels were modified with DNA and deposited in the conjugation area of an LFA device assembled on wax-patterned Fusion 5 paper. Test and control zones of the device were pre-loaded with capture probe formed by avidin-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles attached with biotin-tagged DNA sequences. Proof-of-concept was demonstrated by the detection of a partial sequence of the actin gene of Colletotrichum truncatum. The DNA target could be detected with an LOD of 46 pM, which was 5 times lower than a comparative assay using gold nanoparticles alone. The assay showed good selectivity against the Colletotrichum species C. scovillei and C. gloeosporioides , as well as against DNA from the fungal genera Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternata. There was negligible change in sensor response over storage for one month at room temperature. The LFA was used to detect PCR products following extraction from mycelium. [Display omitted] • Lateral flow assay (LFA) for partial sequence of actin gene of Colletotrichum truncatum. • In conjugation area, reporter probe DNA attached to silicon spheres coated with gold nanoparticles. • Better limit of detection for same species compared to LFA using only gold nanoparticles as reporter signal. • Good selectivity against C. scovillei and C. gloeosporioides , and DNA from the fungal genera A. niger and A. alternata. • Detection of real samples, extracted from mycelium, following PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]