Liposome−Quantum Dot Complexes Enable Multiplexed Detection of Attomolar DNAs without Target Amplification

Juan Zhou, Qiang-xin Wang, and Chun-yang Zhang

dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja3110329 |J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 2056−2059


Sensitive detection of DNA usually relies on target amplification approaches such as polymerase
chain reaction and rolling circle amplification. Here we describe a new approach for sensitive detection of low abundance DNA using liposome−quantum dot (QD) complexes and single-particle detection techniques. This assay allows for detection of single-stranded DNA at attomolar concentrations without the involvement of target amplification. Importantly, this strategy can be employed for simultaneous detection of multiple DNA targets.