1 research outputs found
Multiplexed Nanoflares: mRNA Detection in Live Cells
We report the development of the multiplexed nanoflare,
a nanoparticle agent that is capable of simultaneously detecting two
distinct mRNA targets inside a living cell. These probes are spherical nucleic acid (SNA) gold nanoparticle (Au NP) conjugates consisting of densely packed and highly oriented oligonucleotide sequences, many of which are hybridized to a reporter with a distinct fluorophore
label and each complementary to its corresponding mRNA target. When
multiplexed nanoflares are exposed to their targets, they provide
a sequence specific signal in both extra- and intracellular environments.
Importantly, one of the targets can be used as an internal control,
improving detection by accounting for cell-to-cell variations in nanoparticle
uptake and background. Compared to single-component nanoflares, these
structures allow one to determine more precisely relative mRNA levels
in individual cells, improving cell sorting and quantification