Abstract: Fluorescent DNA Aptamer for lysozyme detection
Combining previous work on structure-switching signaling aptamers and fluorescent signaling we design a DNA based aptamer modified with fluorophores and quenchers to detect and signal the presence of lysozyme. This device is then compared against the same attached with a nanoparticle. We verify the device’s behavior using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy, and fluorescent spectroscopy. Our device demonstrates that DNA nano-structures can be designed to meet detection of specific and trace quantities of proteins and this can have important applications such as low cost sensors for detecting deadly viruses via viral capsid proteins.