A DNA sensor based on upconversion nanoparticles and two-dimensional dichalcogenide materials

Abstract

We demonstrate the fabrication of a new DNA sensor that is based on the optical interactions occurring between oligonucleotide-coated NaYF ₄: Yb ³⁺; Er ³⁺ upconversion nanoparticles and the two-dimensional dichalcogenide materials, MoS ₂ and WS ₂. Monodisperse upconversion nanoparticles were functionalized with single-stranded DNA endowing the nanoparticles with the ability to interact with the surface of the two-dimensional materials via van der Waals interactions leading to subsequent quenching of the upconversion fluorescence. By contrast, in the presence of a complementary oligonucleotide target and the formation of double-stranded DNA, the upconversion nanoparticles could not interact with MoS ₂ and WS ₂, thus retaining their inherent fluorescence properties. Utilizing this sensor we were able to detect target oligonucleotides with high sensitivity and specificity whilst reaching a concentration detection limit as low as 5 mol·L ^–1, within minutes.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

upconversion nanoparticles / DNA sensor / two-dimensional materials / MoS ₂ / WS ₂

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