Gold nanoparticle aptamer assay for the determination of histamine in foodstuffs.

The development of a gold nanoparticle aptamer assay is persued for rapid and sensitive determination of histamine in foodstuffs, which could be deployed for on-site use. The assay is based on a histamine-specific aptamer and gold nanoparticles and the salt-induced aggregation of the particles in the presence of histamine indicated by the color change from red to blue. Gold nanoparticle size, salt type, and concentration as well as aptamer concentration were optimized, and using optimum conditions, a limit of detection of 8 nM (~ 0.

Apta-PCR.

Real-time Apta-PCR is a methodology that can be used for a wide variety of applications ranging from food quality control to clinical diagnostics. This method takes advantage of the combination of the sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification with the selectivity of aptamers. Ultra-low detection of target analyte can potentially be achieved, or, improved detection limits can be achieved with aptamers of low-medium affinity.

Development of a gold nano-particle-based fluorescent molecular beacon for detection of cystic fibrosis associated mutation.

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetically inherited diseases in Northern Europe, consisting of an inherited defect of chloride transport in the epithelium. Of the several mutations related to CF, the ΔF508 mutation occurs in ca. 70% of the cases.