The use of a 2-aminopurine-containing split G-quadruplex for sequence-specific DNA detection

A simple, sequence-specific DNA detection method, utilizing a fluorescent 2-aminopurine (2-AP) nucleo-base analogue-containing split G-quadruplex as the key detection component, is described. In the sensor, the 2-AP-containing G-quadruplex is split into two segments and linked to a target-specific overhang sequence. The separate G-quadruplex sequences form an active G-quadruplex structure only in the presence of a complementary target DNA, which leads to a significant increase in the intensity of fluorescence from the 2-AP fluorophore. This simple, one-step, homogenous assay was successfully employed to detect target DNA with a high selectivity. In addition, the practical applicability of the detection method was demonstrated by its use in analyzing target DNAs in human serum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an investigation was carried out in which a fluorescent nucleobase analogue was incorporated into a split G-quadruplex structure and this structure was utilized as the foundation for a specific DNA sensor.