DNAzyme Sensor for the Detection of Ca(2+) Using Resistive Pulse Sensing

DNAzymes are DNA oligonucleotides that can undergo a specific chemical reaction in the presence of a cofactor. Ribonucleases are a specific form of DNAzymes where a tertiary structure undergoes cleavage at a single ribonuclease site. The cleavage is highly specificity to co-factors, which makes them excellent sensor recognition elements. Monitoring the change in structure upon cleavage has given rise to many sensing strategies; here we present a simple and rapid method of following the reaction using resistive pulse sensors, RPS. To demonstrate this methodology, we present a sensor for Ca(2+) ions in solution. A nanoparticle was functionalised with a Ca(2+) DNAzyme, and it was possible to follow the cleavage and rearrangement of the DNA as the particles translocate the RPS. The binding of Ca(2+) caused a conformation change in the DNAzyme, which was monitored as a change in translocation speed. A 30 min assay produced a linear response for Ca(2+) between 1–9 μm, and extending the incubation time to 60 min allowed for a concentration as low as 0.3 μm. We demonstrate that the signal is specific to Ca(2+) in the presence of other metal ions, and we can quantify Ca(2+) in tap and pond water samples.