Label-free detection of adenosine based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer between fluorescent silica nanoparticles and unmodified gold nanoparticles.

Highlights: [•] A novel assay method based on FRET between fluorescent SiNPs and AuNPs was developed. [•] The method was based on the conformation change of aptamer lead by target recognition. [•] The aptamer toward adenosine without modification was split into two fragments. [•] The method was label-free without the modification of fluorescent SiNPs or AuNPs. [•] The detection limit of adenosine was as low as 45nM with excellent specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]