Aptamer-Based Colorimetric Probe for trans-Zeatin Detection Using Unmodified Gold Nanoparticle

Figure 1

Schematic description of the AuNPs-aptamer-based strategy for trans-zeatin assay. In the presence of trans-zeatin, the binding of trans-zeatin to the aptamer sequence induces a duplex-to-aptamer structural switching. The AuNPs are stabilized by only complementary DNA, showing high resistance to salt-induced aggregation (solution staying in red). In the absence of trans-zeatin, aptamer DNA, and complementary DNA formed double-stranded DNA. AuNPs are not stabilized, and thus they are readily aggregated by salt (solution displaying blue colors).