| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for detecting a nucleic acid. The method comprises contacting a nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotide is attached to the nanoparticle and has a sequence that is complementary to a portion of the sequence of the nucleic acid. As a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotide on the nanoparticle to the nucleic acid, a detectable change (preferably a color change) occurs. The invention also provides compositions and kits that include the particles. The present invention further provides a method for synthesizing a unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugate, a conjugate obtained by the method, and a method for using the conjugate. Moreover, the present invention provides nanomaterials including nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication using nanostructures and nanoparticles. Finally, the present invention provides a method for separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids. |