What is it about?
We have synthesized gold nanoparticles (<20 nm) and have developed a method based on interactions between thiolated DNA oligonucleotides and small-sized GNPs, interactions between DNA oligonucleotides and target DNA molecules, and self-aggregating properties of small-sized GNPs under high salt concentrations leading to a visible change in colour. Exploiting these intermolecular and interparticle interactions under aqueous conditions, in the present work, we have demonstrated the application of our procedure by using a DNA oligonucleotide probe designed against a portion of the mitochondrial genome of the codling moth Cydia pomonella.
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Why is it important?
This method is accurate, quick, and easy to use once devised and can be used as an additional tool along with DNA barcoding. This tool can be used for distinguishing cryptic species, identification of morphovariants of known species, diet analysis, and identification of pest species in quarantine facilities without any need of performing repetitive DNA sequencing.
Perspectives
Present work may be considered as an effort to introduce nanotechnology as a new discipline to the extensive field of integrative taxonomy with which disciplines like palaeontology, embryology, anatomy, ethology, ecology, biochemistry, and molecular biology are already associated for a long time.
Rahul Kumar
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Conferring the Midas Touch on Integrative Taxonomy: A Nanogold-Oligonucleotide Conjugate-Based Quick Species Identification Tool, International Journal of Ecology, August 2022, Hindawi Publishing Corporation,
DOI: 10.1155/2022/1009066.
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