DNA frameworks equipped with high-affinity multivalent aptamers for the reliable and amplified detection of a specific membrane protein

Abstract

A tetrahedral DNA framework-based fluorescent probe is programmed with multivalent aptamers for the precise targeting of membrane nucleolin and an initiator strand to trigger a hybridization chain reaction. Benefiting from multivalent aptamer targeting and HCR signal amplification, this probe demonstrates minimal endocytosis, enabling the reliable and amplified detection of a membrane protein biomarker.