This AI answer comes from a research paper by Yingfu Li in Aug 2025:
AI Overview
Integrating functional DNA probes with graphene oxide (GO) is a productive approach for designing
highly sensitive and versatile optical biosensors (especially fluorescence-based ones) for detecting various targets like DNA, proteins, and small molecules, leveraging GO's powerful fluorescence quenching and biocompatibility for signal amplification and precise bioassays in diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
How it Works (Core Mechanism)
- Adsorption & Quenching: Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes, often labeled with fluorophores, bind to the large surface area of GO via p-p stacking, causing their fluorescence to be effectively quenched (turned off).
- Target Binding & Release: When the target analyte (e.g., a complementary DNA, protein, or ion) binds to the ssDNA probe, it causes the probe to desorb (release) from the GO surface.
- Signal Turn-On: The released DNA, now away from GO, regains its fluorescence (the signal turns back on), providing a detectable signal proportional to the target concentration.
Key Advantages & Applications
- Ultrasensitive Detection: GO's strong quenching ability provides a low background, leading to high sensitivity.
- Versatility: The platform can be adapted to detect diverse targets by changing the DNA probe, applicable in medical diagnostics, environmental sensing, and basic research.
- Amplification: Techniques like rolling circle amplification (RCA) can be coupled with this system for even greater signal enhancement.
- In Vivo Potential: Engineered DNA/GO nanocomplexes show promise for combined diagnosis and therapy in living organisms (e.g., cancer imaging).
In essence, researchers like Yingfu Li have pioneered using GO as a smart, tunable platform where DNA acts as both the recognition element and the signal generator for precise bio-sensing.
PS
This is actually the first time I have seen actual evidence that the Yingfu Li lab (McMasters/Triera) is working with GO. Zentek has denied this to protect trade secrets I am guessing after initially saying GO was part of the Aptamer platform. Time for some news folks!!! |
