Application of a cation-exchange reaction of CuS nanoparticles and fluorescent copper nanoparticles in a DNA biosensor

A novel detection method based on the cation-exchange reaction of CuS nanoparticles (CuS NPs) combined with poly T-templated fluorescent Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) was developed. First, CuS NPs-magnetic bead conjugates were prepared through the hybridization of DNA. Competition with target DNA resulted in the release of CuS NPs, and exonuclease III catalysis could lead to recycling of the target DNA. Then, the CuS NPs released into the supernatant were subjected to a cation-exchange reaction after the addition of AgNO(3). The obtained Cu(2+) could form fluorescent Cu NPs using poly T DNA as a template. The fluorescence intensity of the Cu NPs could be used to determine the concentration of the target DNA. To further increase the detection sensitivity, two types of DNA decorated magnetic beads were used. After Exo III digestion for two cycle processes, more CuS NPs entered the supernatant. Hence, a stronger fluorescence intensity was found after the cation-exchange reaction and the formation of fluorescent Cu NPs. The developed method is convenient and low cost with good sensitivity and selectivity.