Gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric strategy for DNA detection: principles and novel approaches

Abstract

The development of nanotechnology has led to the strong growth of many different fields, including sensors. Bulky and complex sensor systems are gradually being replaced by streamlined sensor devices with advantages in size, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and fast response, allowing qualitative detection of target analytes on-site application for clinical diagnosis. Significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, research in developing test kits for detecting biological molecules has grown rapidly, with the increasing number of publications. The number of studies developing colorimetric sensors based on Au NPs has increased continuously over the years, demonstrating the potential application of this material. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect and high biocompatibility of Au NPs make them different from many other metal nanomaterials. In addition, the peroxidase activity properties of Au NPs have also received much attention in colorimetric sensors. In this review, the colorimetric sensors developed based on the Au NPs material platform for DNA detection will be discussed in detail. Among them, the commonly used synthesis methods of Au NPs based on their applications and the primary mechanism of Au NPs-based colorimetric sensors for DNA detection will be discussed. In addition, AuNP-based colorimetric applications in POCT for pathogenic bacteria and viruses are also mentioned in this review to provide a broader perspective on the potential and developmental direction of AuNP-based colorimetric. Another aspect this review provides is development strategies that allow simple readings using the naked eye, a spectrophotometer, or a smartphone camera, which present many opportunities for integration into other electronic devices.