Label-free dual assay of DNA sequences and potassium ions using an aptamer probe and a molecular light switch complex

Abstract

A homogeneous assay is reported using Ru(phen) 2(dppz) 2+ and a K +-binding aptamer for the selective and sensitive detection of a target oligonucleotide and potassium ions, based on reduction in fluorescence emission according to the formation of the G-quadruplex structure from the aptamer in the presence of K +. © 2009 The Royal Society of Chemistry.