The invention involves the application of triangular gold (AuTNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgTNPs) as efficient nanoheaters for machine-free nucleic acid amplification assays. These nanoparticles are synthesized using a simple, cost-effective method and demonstrate high photothermal stability and efficiency. This innovation addresses the limitations of current polymerized chain reaction (PCR) technologies by providing a robust, scalable, and low-cost alternative for rapid and efficient DNA amplification.
Figure 1. Synthesis and utilization of triangular gold (AuTNPs) and silver (AgTNPs) nanoparticles for photonic polymerized chain reaction (PCR)
Traditional polymerized chain reaction (PCR) methods require expensive and complex instrumentation, such as Peltier devices, to achieve the necessary thermocycling temperatures. This results in high costs and a lack of portability, making these methods impractical for many applications.
Nanoparticles, such as gold nanorods and bipyramids, often deform under harsh thermal conditions, limiting their effectiveness and reusability. To solve this problem, external coatings are used to enhance thermal stability, but these coatings add extra synthetic steps, increase costs, and can adversely affect the photothermal properties of the nanoparticles.
The invention presents a novel approach utilizing plasmonic triangular gold (AuTNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgTNPs) to address the limitations of traditional PCR methods and existing nanoparticle-based solutions.
- Cost-Effective and Recyclable: The synthesis methods for the nanoparticles are straightforward and cost-effective. They maintain their shape and function after repeated thermal cycling, which reduces cost and waste.
- Enhanced PCR Yield: It provides higher PCR yield and more efficient heat capacity compared to gold nanoparticles. This leads to improved amplification results and more reliable nucleic acid detection.
- Increased Sensitivity: It provides higher sensitivity at low concentrations of triangular nanoparticles and hence can be used for detecting disease even with low titer.
- Portable, Machine-Free PCR Devices: The robust and efficient nature of these nanoparticles paves the way for the development of ultra-portable, low-cost, machine-free PCR devices.
- Enhanced Stability: The triangular shape prevents deformation under high-temperature conditions, ensuring consistent performance over multiple PCR cycles without the need for additional stabilizing coatings.
- Efficient Photothermal Conversion: Efficient light-to-heat conversion enables rapid heating, reducing the overall time required for PCR cycles and improving amplification efficiency.
- Tunable Plasmonic Properties: The plasmonic properties of triangular gold and silver nanoparticles can be tuned by adjusting their size, shape, and composition. This tunability allows for precise control over their optical and thermal properties, enabling customization for specific PCR applications and experimental conditions.
- Compatibility with Various PCR Platforms: It can be seamlessly integrated into existing PCR platforms, including traditional thermal cyclers and microfluidic devices. Their compatibility with different PCR systems enhances their versatility and applicability across diverse research and diagnostic settings.
The gold and silver nanoparticles can heat the 150 L solution to over 90°C within 120 sec. These nanoparticles are notably stable after 35 thermal cycles. Using the nanoparticles, high amplification of DNA after 25 thermal cycles from 90, 85, 80 and 75°C (denaturation) with 55°C (annealing) and 67°C (extension) temperature profile was observed. This confirms the utility of photothermal PCR with synthesized NPs.
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This technology could significantly lower the costs and complexity of nucleic acid amplification, making it more accessible for research and diagnostics, especially in resource-limited settings. It has the potential to enhance rapid disease detection and personalized medicine, improving public health outcomes.
- Biomedical Research: Enhancing nucleic acid amplification techniques for genetic studies and research
- Pharmaceutical Research: Facilitating drug development and testing through improved PCR methods
- Genetic Engineering: Improving techniques for gene editing and cloning through efficient nucleic acid amplification
- Medical Diagnostics
202021046398
406074