A simple and label-free fluorescent DNA sensor for visual detection of aptamer-based berberine.

The intrinsic fluorescence of berberine is very weak, which can be enhanced by its interaction with specific aptamers. A simple and sensitive DNA sensor for visual detection of berberine has here been established. When using this sensor, there was a good linear relationship between the change in fluorescence intensity of berberine and the concentration of berberine in the range of 16-2000 nM, with a detection limit of 5.