Aptamer-based colorimetric detection of the DNA damage marker 8-oxo-dG using cysteamine-stabilised gold nanoparticles

8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) is a crucial biomarker for oxidative DNA damage and carcinogenesis. Current strategies for 8-oxo-dG detection often require sophisticated instruments and qualified personnel. In this study, cysteamine-stabilised gold nanoparticles (cyst-AuNPs) were synthesised and used for colorimetric detection of 8-oxo-dG in urine. Sensing of 8-oxo-dG is based on the anti-aggregation of cyst-AuNPs, mediated by the specific recognition of 8-oxo-dG and its aptamer. In the absence of 8-oxo-dG, the aptamer was adsorbed onto the surface of cyst-AuNPs, resulting in aggregation and the development of a purple colour solution. Upon addition of the target molecule 8-oxo-dG, the aptamer specifically bound to it and could not induce the aggregation of cyst-AuNPs, leading to the dispersion of cyst-AuNPs in the solution. Simple visual examination could be used to monitor the purple-to-red colour change that started at 12 nM, a threshold concentration for visual analysis. The absorbance at 525 nm increased in direct relation to the number of the target molecule 8-oxo-dG. This aptamer/cyst-AuNPs system showed excellent sensing ability for the 8-oxo-dG concentration in the range of 15–100 nM, with a detection limit as low as 10.3 nM and a detection time of 30 min. Interference experiments showed that the developed colorimetric strategy had a good sensitivity. This simple and rapid colorimetric method has successfully been applied to inspect 8-oxo-dG concentration in real urine samples and provided recoveries between 93.6 and 94.1%, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 34.3 nM, which was comparable with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent-based detection of 8-oxo-dG. This new, easy-to-use, and rapid method could be used as an alternative and initiative strategy for the development of an on-site analysis of 8-oxo-dG in urine.