Detection of Circulating Tumor DNA in Human Blood via DNA-Mediated Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Anal Chem. 2016 May 3;88(9):4759-65. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00108. Epub 2016 Apr 11.

Abstract

The levels of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the peripheral blood have been associated with tumor burden and malignant progression. However, ultrasensitive detection of ctDNA in blood remains to be explored. Herein, we have developed a new approach, employing DNA-mediated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), that allows ultrasensitive detection of a broad range of ctDNAs in human blood. Combined with the efficient ctDNA recognition capacity of our designed triple-helix molecular switch and RNase HII enzyme-assisted amplification, the T-rich DNA-mediated SERS enhancement of SWNTs could read out a content of KRAS G12DM as low as 0.3 fM, with a detection of 5.0 μL of sample volume, which has potential for point-of-care testing in clinical analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Circulating Tumor DNA / blood*
  • DNA, Neoplasm / blood*
  • Humans
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Circulating Tumor DNA
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • Nanotubes, Carbon