A Multichannel Pattern-Recognition-Based Protein Sensor with a Fluorophore-Conjugated Single-Stranded DNA Set

Recently, pattern-recognition-based protein sensing has received considerable attention because it offers unique opportunities that complement more conventional antibody-based detection methods. Here, we report a multichannel pattern-recognition-based sensor using a set of fluorophore-conjugated single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs), which can detect various proteins. Three different fluorophore-conjugated ssDNAs were placed into a single microplate well together with a target protein, and the generated optical response pattern that corresponds to each environment-sensitive fluorophore was read via multiple detection channels. Multivariate analysis of the resulting optical response patterns allowed an accurate detection of eight different proteases, indicating that fluorescence signal acquisition from a single compartment containing a mixture of ssDNAs is an effective strategy for the characterization of the target proteins. Additionally, the sensor could identify proteins, which are potential targets for disease diagnosis, in a protease and inhibitor mixture of different composition ratios. As our sensor benefits from simple construction and measurement procedures, and uses accessible materials, it offers a rapid and simple platform for the detection of proteins.