U.S. patent application number 11/890545 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for nanoparticle polyanion conjugates and methods of use thereof in detecting analytes.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nanosphere, Inc.. Invention is credited to Susan R. Hagenow, Robert L. Letsinger, James J. Storhoff.
Application Number | 20080153082 11/890545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30115557 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080153082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Storhoff; James J. ; et
al. |
June 26, 2008 |
Nanoparticle polyanion conjugates and methods of use thereof in
detecting analytes
Abstract
This invention provides polyanionic polymer conjugates
containing non-nucleotide polyanionic polymers that are useful in
detecting target analytes such as proteins or small molecules. The
invention also provides nanoparticles bound to polyanionic polymer
conjugates and methods of preparation and use thereof. The
polyanionic polymer conjugates have the formula:
L-O--[PO.sub.2--O-Z-O].sub.n--PO.sub.2--O--X wherein n ranges from
1 to 200; L represents a moiety comprising a functional group for
attaching the polyanion polymer to the nanoparticle surface; Z
represents a bridging group, and X represents Q, X' or -Q-X',
wherein Q represents a functional group for attaching a recognition
probe to the polyanion polymer, and X' represents a recognition
probe.
Inventors: |
Storhoff; James J.;
(Evanston, IL) ; Letsinger; Robert L.;
(Bloomington, IN) ; Hagenow; Susan R.; (Eden
Prairie, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDONNELL BOEHNEN HULBERT & BERGHOFF LLP
300 S. WACKER DRIVE, 32ND FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Nanosphere, Inc.
Northbrook
IL
|
Family ID: |
30115557 |
Appl. No.: |
11/890545 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10612422 |
Jul 2, 2003 |
7253277 |
|
|
11890545 |
|
|
|
|
60393255 |
Jul 2, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
435/5 ; 428/402;
435/180; 435/235.1; 435/6.12; 435/7.1; 435/7.2; 436/501; 530/323;
530/391.1; 530/402; 530/403; 536/23.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 33/54346 20130101;
G01N 2333/726 20130101; Y10S 977/702 20130101; G01N 33/54353
20130101; G01N 33/588 20130101; G01N 33/545 20130101; B82Y 15/00
20130101; Y10T 428/2982 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/5 ; 435/180;
530/402; 530/323; 435/235.1; 530/391.1; 530/403; 428/402; 536/23.1;
435/7.1; 435/6; 435/7.2; 436/501 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/53 20060101
G01N033/53; C12N 11/08 20060101 C12N011/08; C07K 2/00 20060101
C07K002/00; C12N 7/00 20060101 C12N007/00; C07K 17/08 20060101
C07K017/08; C07K 16/00 20060101 C07K016/00; B32B 5/16 20060101
B32B005/16; C07H 21/00 20060101 C07H021/00; C12Q 1/70 20060101
C12Q001/70; G01N 33/534 20060101 G01N033/534; G01N 33/554 20060101
G01N033/554 |
Claims
1-9. (canceled)
10. A nanoparticle having a plurality of polyanionic polymer
conjugates attached thereto, said polyanionic polymer conjugates
having the formula L-O--[PO.sub.2--O-Z-O].sub.n--PO.sub.2--O--X
wherein n ranges from 1 to 200; L represents a moiety comprising a
functional group for attaching the polyanion polymer to a
nanoparticle surface wherein the polyanion polymer is a
non-nucleotide Polyanion polymer; Z represents a bridging group,
and X represents Q, X' or -Q-X', wherein Q represents a functional
group for attaching a recognition probe to the polyanion polymer,
and X' represents a recognition probe.
11. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the polyanionic polymer
conjugate further comprises a detection label bound thereto.
12. The nanoparticle of claim 11, wherein the detection label
comprises a chromophore, a fluorescent label, a UV label, a
radioisotope, a Raman label or a SERS (surface enhanced raman
spectroscopy) label, or an enzyme.
13. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the functional group for
attaching a recognition probe to the polyanion polymer comprises a
carboxylic acid or an amino group.
14. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the recognition probe
comprises a protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid, a peptide nucleic
acid, a linked nucleic acid, a nucleoside triphosphate, a
carbohydrate, a lipid, a lipid bound protein, an aptamer, a virus,
a cell fragment, or a whole cell.
15. The nanoparticle of claim 14, wherein the lipid bound protein
comprises a G-protein coupled receptor.
16. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the recognition probe
comprises an antibody, an antigen, a receptor, or a ligand.
17. The nanoparticle of claim 10 wherein L comprises an alkanethiol
containing group, a phosphorothioate containing group, a
substituted alkylsiloxane containing group, a polythiol containing
group, or a cyclic disulfide containing group.
18. The nanoparticle of claim 10 wherein Z comprises a polymer,
--C.sub.1-C.sub.10-alkyl-, --COO--,
--CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.vCOO--, --OCO--,
R.sup.1N(CH.sub.2).sub.v--NR.sup.1--, --OC(CH.sub.2).sub.v--,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--, --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--O--,
--R.sup.1N--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--, ##STR00005## or ##STR00006## v is
0-30 and R.sup.1 is H or is G(CH.sub.2).sub.v, wherein G is
--CH.sub.3, --CHCH.sub.3, --COOH,
--CO.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.vCH.sub.3, --OH, or --CH.sub.2OH.
19-42. (canceled)
43. A kit for detecting the presence or absence of a target analyte
in a sample comprising: (a) nanoparticles having polyanionic
polymer conjugates bound thereto, wherein the polyanion polymers
have the formula: L-O--[PO.sub.2--O-Z-O].sub.n--PO.sub.2--O--X
wherein n ranges from 1 to 200; L represents a moiety comprising a
functional group for attaching the polyanion polymer to a
nanoparticle surface wherein the polyanion polymer is a
non-nucleotide polyanion polymer; Z represents a bridging group,
and X represents Q, X' or -Q-X', wherein Q represents a functional
group for attaching a recognition probe to the polyanion polymer,
and X' represents a recognition probe; and (b) an optional
substrate for observing a detectable change.
44. The kit of claim 43, wherein the polyanionic polymer conjugate
further comprises a detection label bound thereto.
45. The kit of claim 44, wherein the detection label comprises a
chromophore, a fluorescent label, a UV label, a radioisotope, a
Raman label or a SERS (surface enhanced raman spectroscopy) label,
or an enzyme.
46. The kit of claim 43 wherein the functional group for attaching
a recognition probe to the polyanion polymer comprises a carboxylic
acid or an amino group.
47. The kit of claim 43, wherein the recognition probe comprises a
protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid, a peptide nucleic acid, a
linked nucleic acid, a nucleoside triphosphate, a carbohydrate, a
lipid, a lipid bound protein, an aptamer, a virus, a cell fragment,
or a whole cell.
48. The kit of claim 47, wherein the lipid bound protein comprises
a G-protein coupled receptor.
49. The kit of claim 43, wherein the recognition probe comprises an
antibody, an antigen, a receptor, or a ligand.
50. The kit of claim 43 wherein the substrate is a transparent
substrate or an opaque white substrate.
51. The kit of claim 43 wherein L comprises an alkanethiol
containing group, a phosphorothioate containing group, a
substituted alkylsiloxane containing group, a polythiol containing
group, or a cyclic disulfide containing group.
52. The kit of claim 43 wherein Z comprises a polymer,
--C.sub.1-C.sub.10-alkyl-, --COO--,
--CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.vCOO--, --OCO--,
R.sup.1N(CH.sub.2).sub.v--NR.sup.1--, --OC(CH.sub.2).sub.v--,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--, --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--O--,
--R.sup.1N--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--, ##STR00007## or ##STR00008## v is
0-30 and R.sup.1 is H or is G(CH.sub.2).sub.v, wherein G is
--CH.sub.3, --CHCH.sub.3, --COOH,
--CO.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.vCH.sub.3, --OH, or --CH.sub.2OH.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
provisional application No. 60/393,255, filed Jul. 2, 2002, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to polyanionic polymer conjugates
containing non-nucleotide polyanionic polymers ("polyanions"),
nanoparticles bound to polyanionic polymer conjugates and methods
of preparation and use thereof in detecting target analytes such as
proteins or small molecules.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The binding of polyelectrolytes to gold nanoparticles for
stabilization has been described (1). When mixing a polyelectrolyte
solution with gold nanoparticles, the polymer composition, length,
concentration, and total salt concentration all influence the
coating of particles with polyelectrolytes (2). More specifically,
high salt concentrations (0.05-0.1 M NaCl) have been found to cause
aggregation of gold nanoparticles stabilized with polyelectrolytes
(1, 2). This represents a significant limitation to coating
nanoparticles with polyelectrolytes (2), and also severely limits
the utility of polyanion coating technology since many applications
such as biomolecule sensing require stability to electrolytes as
well as temperature. For example, nucleic acid detection is
typically performed in buffers that contain salt which promote
nucleic acid hybridization, and biological fluids (e.g. urine) also
contain elevated electrolyte concentrations which would destabilize
polyelectrolyte nanoparticle complexes. Accordingly, a method for
binding polyelectrolytes to nanoparticles that provides conjugates
that are stable to electrolytes as well as temperature, conditions
which are typically found in applications such as biomolecule
sensing, would be highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Herein we describe a method for preparing highly stable
polyanion nanoparticle conjugates which utilizes a polyanion
modified with a functional group to covalently attach the polyanion
to the nanoparticle surface. This method creates a high density of
polyanion moieties on the nanoparticle surface, providing highly
stable polyanion-nanoparticle conjugates that may be used in
biosensing applications.
[0005] This method differs from previous methods that utilize
phosphate based nucleic acid moieties (3), which may produce
unacceptable background in biosensing applications, as it is well
known in the art that nucleic acids can bind to other nucleic
acids, proteins, and small molecules. In the invention, the sugar
and base moieties that constitute the nucleic acid have been
removed, thus reducing or eliminating background in biosensing
applications. This method also differs from previous strategies
that utilize a monolayer of mercaptoundecanoic acid to anchor
polyelectrolyte moieties through electrostatic attraction to the
gold nanoparticle surface using a complicated layer-by-layer
assembly technique (2). In the method described herein, the group
responsible for binding to the nanoparticle surface is directly
attached to the polyanion of interest for binding and the resulting
conjugate may be immobilized on the particle in a single step. In
addition, any ligand that may be used for biomolecule recognition
may be attached to the polymer before or after nanoparticle
modification.
[0006] The present invention provides polyanionic polymer
conjugates containing non-nucleotide polyanions, nanoparticles
bound with polyanionic polymer conjugates and methods for the
synthesis of nanoparticles having polyanionic polymer conjugates
attached thereto, and methods for detecting target analytes. The
polyanions can be any water-soluble and water stable polymer or
co-polymer with a net negative charge and at least one functional
group that is able to bind to the nanoparticle surface.
[0007] More specifically, the invention provides polyanionic
polymer conjugates containing non-nucleotide polyanions,
nanoparticles and methods for covalent attachment of polyanionic
polymers that serve either as "spacer" molecules between the
surface of the nanoparticle and the recognition moiety, e.g., a
recognition oligonucleotide probe, or as "filler" molecules that
cover the surface of the nanoparticle between the oligonucleotide
probes. These "spacer" and "filler" arrangements can allow for more
efficient binding between the nanoparticle probe and biomolecule of
interest. These nanoparticle probes comprising polyanionic polymers
and a recogniton element are useful for biomolecule detection (e.g.
nucleic acid sequence or protein), detecting protein-ligand
interactions, separation of a target oligonucleotide sequence from
a population of sequences, or other methods as described previously
for instance in PCT/US01/10071, filed Mar. 28, 2001 and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,361,944, issued Mar. 26, 2002, which are incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
[0008] Incorporation of the polyanionic polymers into the
nanoparticle probes increases the stability of the nanoparticles in
solution, especially colloidal gold nanoparticles in high salt
solutions. The use of non-nucleic acid polyanion polymers in
preparing nanoparticle conjugates is advantageous for nucleic acid
and protein detection because non-specific binding interference
between analytes and nanoparticle conjugate probes can be
reduced.
[0009] In one embodiment, the invention provides polyanionic
polymer conjugates.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention provides nanoparticles
having polyanionic polymer conjugates attached thereto.
[0011] In another embodiment, the invention provides synthetic
methods for the manufacture of nanoparticle probes comprising a
plurality of polyanionic polymer conjugates. The polyanionic
polymer conjugates may be functionalized to attach ligands or
biomolecules of interest.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention provides for methods of
synthesizing nanoparticle probes having polyanionic polymers
serving as spacer, or linking, molecules between the surface of the
nanoparticle and oligonucleotide probe sequences.
[0013] In another embodiment, the invention provides for methods of
synthesizing nanoparticle probes having polyanionic polymers
serving as spacer, or linking, molecules between the surface of the
nanoparticle and small molecule ligands for detecting or binding
biomolecules.
[0014] In another embodiment, the invention provides for methods of
synthesizing nanoparticle probes having polyanionic polymers
serving as spacer, or linking, molecules between the surface of the
nanoparticle and proteins for detecting or binding
biomolecules.
[0015] In another embodiment, the invention provides for methods of
synthesizing nanoparticle probes having polyanionic polymers
serving as spacer, or linking, molecules between the surface of the
nanoparticle and oligonucleotides for detecting or binding
biomolecules.
[0016] In another embodiment, the invention provides for methods of
synthesizing nanoparticle probes having polyanionic polymers
serving as spacer, or linking, molecules between the surface of the
nanoparticle and carbohydrates for detecting or binding
biomolecules.
[0017] In another embodiment, the invention provides for methods of
synthesizing nanoparticle probes having polyanionic polymers
serving as filler molecules on the surface of the nanoparticle,
between the probes (e.g. oligonucleotide, protein, etc.) that are
also attached to the surface of the nanoparticle.
[0018] In a further embodiment, the invention provides for methods
of synthesizing nanoparticle probes having polyanionic polymers
serving both as filler and spacer molecules.
[0019] These and other embodiments of the invention will become
apparent in light of the detailed description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1A is an HPLC chromatogram of polyanion 1 after
purification.
[0021] FIG. 1B is a UV-visible spectrum of polyanion 1 after
purification.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a visible absorbance spectrum of gold
nanoparticle-polyanion 1 conjugates after loading and
isolation.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a graph depicting a standard curve used to measure
the number of polyanion molecules per gold particle.
[0024] FIG. 4A is a graph indicating stability of polyanion 1-gold
nanoparticle conjugates at 0.5 M PBS.
[0025] FIG. 4B is a graph of stability of citrate modified
nanoparticles at 0.5 M PBS.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a graph indicating stability of polyanion 1-gold
nanoparticle conjugates at 0.5 M PBS after heating.
[0027] FIG. 6 is an HPLC chromatogram of polyanion 6 after
purification.
[0028] FIG. 7A shows a reversed phase plate which exhibits spot
test results from solutions of polyanion 6 incubated with
Streptavidin or control solutions.
[0029] FIG. 7B is a UV-vis spectrum of polyanion 6 incubated with
Streptavidin or control solutions.
[0030] FIG. 8A shows spot test results for free d-biotin/polyanion
6 competitive binding experiment for Streptavidin.
[0031] FIG. 8B is a UV-visible spectrum of free d-biotin/polyanion
6 competitive binding experiment for Streptavidin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The present invention is based on the discovery that
non-nucleotide polyanions may be used to stabilize gold
nanoparticles. Thus in one embodiment, the invention provides
polyanionic polymer conjugates containing non-nucleotide
polyanions. The polyanionic polymer conjugates containing
non-nucleotide polyanions can be attached to nanoparticles to form
nanoparticle probes useful for detecting analytes. The polyanionic
polymer conjugates have the formula:
L-O--[PO.sub.2--O-Z-O].sub.n--PO.sub.2--O--X
wherein n ranges from 1 to 200; L represents a moiety comprising a
functional group for attaching the polyanion polymer to the
nanoparticle surface; Z represents a bridging group, and X
represents Q, X' or -Q-X', wherein Q represents a functional group
for attaching a recognition probe to the polyanion polymer, and X'
represents a recognition probe.
[0033] As indicated above, L is a moiety comprising a functional
group for attaching the polyanionic polymer conjugate to the
nanoparticle surface. Examples of suitable functional groups
include alkanethiol groups, phosphorothioate groups (see, e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,881), substituted alkylsiloxanes (see, e.g.
Burwell, Chemical Technology, 4, 370-377 (1974) and Matteucci and
Caruthers, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 103, 3185-3191 (1981) for binding of
oligonucleotides to silica and glass surfaces, and Grabar et al.,
Anal. Chem., 67, 735-743 for binding of aminoalkylsiloxanes and for
similar binding of mercaptoaklylsiloxanes).
[0034] The moiety L may also comprise polyfunctional groups such as
cyclic disulfide group, or polythiols or polymers with multiple
functional groups that can bind to nanoparticles. The cyclic
disulfides preferably have 5 or 6 atoms in their rings, including
the two sulfur atoms. Suitable cyclic disulfides are available
commercially or may be synthesized by known procedures. The reduced
form of the cyclic disulfides can also be used. Preferably, a
hydrocarbon moiety is attached to the cyclic disulfide. Suitable
hydrocarbons are available commercially, and are attached to the
cyclic disulfides. Preferably the hydrocarbon moiety is a steroid
residue. The two sulfur atoms of the cyclic disulfide should
preferably be close enough together so that both of the sulfur
atoms can attach simultaneously to the nanoparticle. Most
preferably, the two sulfur atoms are adjacent to each other.
Examples of cyclic disulfides and polythiols are described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/760,500, filed Jan. 12, 2001, and
International Application Number PCT/US01/01190, filed Jan. 12,
2001, which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
[0035] As indicated above, Z is a bridging group. As a bridge, Z
can be any desired chemical group. For instance, Z can be a polymer
(e.g., polyethylene glycol, polymethylene),
--C.sub.1-C.sub.10-alkyl-, --COO--,
--CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.vCOO--, --OCO--,
R.sup.1N(CH.sub.2).sub.v--NR.sup.1--, --OC(CH.sub.2).sub.v--,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--, --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--O--,
--R.sup.1N--(CH.sub.2).sub.v--,
##STR00001##
or
##STR00002##
v is 0-30 and R' is H or is G(CH.sub.2).sub.v, wherein G is
--CH.sub.3, --CHCH.sub.3, --COOH,
--CO.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.vCH.sub.3, --OH, or --CH.sub.2OH.
Preferably, Z is polyethylene glycol.
[0036] X' represents a recognition probe. By "recognition probe" is
meant a molecule containing at least one binding moiety with a
binding affinity for a target analyte. Examples of a recognition
probe suitable for use in the invention include, without
limitation, a receptor, a nucleotide, a nucleoside, a
polynucleotide, an oligonucleotide, double stranded DNA, an
antibody, a sugar, a hapten, a protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid,
a peptide nucleic acid, an amino acid, a linked nucleic acid, a
nucleoside triphosphate, a carbohydrate, a lipid, a lipid bound
protein, an aptamer, a virus, a cell fragment, or a whole cell.
[0037] Q, when present, represents a functional group for attaching
the recognition probe to the polyanionic polymer conjugate, and can
be, for example, a nucleophile that is naturally present or
chemically added to the polyanion polymer or the recognition probe,
such as an amino group, sulfhydryl group, hydroxy group,
carboxylate group, or any suitable moiety. Q may represent --NH,
--S--, --O--, or --OOC--.
[0038] Nanoparticles useful in the practice of the invention
include metal (e.g., gold, silver, copper and platinum), metal
oxides (e.g., TiO.sub.2), semiconductor (e.g., CdSe, CdS, and CdS
or CdSe coated with ZnS) and magnetic (e.g., ferromagnetite)
colloidal materials. Other nanoparticles useful in the practice of
the invention include ZnS, ZnO, TiO.sub.2, AgI, AgBr, HgI.sub.2,
PbS, PbSe, ZnTe, CdTe, In.sub.2S.sub.3, In.sub.2Se.sub.3,
Cd.sub.3P.sub.2, Cd.sub.3As.sub.2, InAs, and GaAs. The size of the
nanoparticles is preferably from about 5 nm to about 150 nm (mean
diameter), more preferably from about 5 to about 50 nm, most
preferably from about 10 to about 30 nm. The nanoparticles may also
be rods.
[0039] Methods of making metal, semiconductor and magnetic
nanoparticles are well-known in the art. See, e.g., Schmid, G.
(ed.) Clusters and Colloids (VCH, Weinheim, 1994); Hayat, M. A.
(ed.) Colloidal Gold: Principles, Methods, and Applications
(Academic Press, San Diego, 1991); Massart, R., IEEE Transactions
On Magnetics, 17, 1247 (1981); Ahmadi, T. S. et al., Science, 272,
1924 (1996); Henglein, A. et al., J. Phys. Chem., 99, 14129 (1995);
Curtis, A. C., et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 27, 1530
(1988).
[0040] Methods of making ZnS, ZnO, TiO.sub.2, AgI, AgBr, HgI.sub.2,
PbS, PbSe, ZnTe, CdTe, In.sub.2S.sub.3, In.sub.2Se.sub.3,
Cd.sub.3P.sub.2, Cd.sub.3As.sub.2, InAs, and GaAs nanoparticles are
also known in the art. See, e.g., Weller, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
Engl., 32, 41 (1993); Henglein, Top. Curr. Chem., 143, 113 (1988);
Henglein, Chem. Rev., 89, 1861 (1989); Brus, Appl. Phys. A., 53,
465 (1991); Bahncmann, in Photochemical Conversion and Storage of
Solar Energy (eds. Pelizetti and Schiavello 1991), page 251; Wang
and Herron, J. Phys. Chem., 95, 525 (1991); Olshavsky et al., J.
Am. Chem. Soc., 112, 9438 (1990); Ushida et al., J. Phys. Chem.,
95, 5382 (1992).
[0041] Suitable nanoparticles are also commercially available from,
e.g., Ted Pella, Inc. (gold), Amersham Corporation (gold) and
Nanoprobes, Inc. (gold).
[0042] Presently preferred for use in detecting nucleic acids are
gold nanoparticles such as the ones described in International
Application Number PCT/US01/01190, filed Jan. 12, 2001, and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,506,564, issued Jan. 14, 2003, which are both
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Gold colloidal
particles have high extinction coefficients for the bands that give
rise to their beautiful colors. These intense colors change with
particle size, concentration, interparticle distance, and extent of
aggregation and shape (geometry) of the aggregates, making these
materials particularly attractive for colorimetric assays. For
instance, hybridization of oligonucleotides attached to gold
nanoparticles with oligonucleotides and nucleic acids results in an
immediate color change visible to the naked eye (see, e.g., the
Examples).
[0043] In order to bind the polyanionic polymer conjugates to the
nanoparticles, the polyanionic polymer conjugates are contacted
with the nanoparticles in water for a time sufficient to allow at
least some of the polyanionic polymer conjugates to bind to the
nanoparticles by means of the functional groups. Such times can be
determined empirically. For instance, it has been found that a time
of about 12-24 hours gives good results. Other suitable conditions
for binding of the polyanionic polymer conjugates can also be
determined empirically. For instance, a concentration of about
10-20 nM nanoparticles and incubation at room temperature gives
good results.
[0044] A recognition probe X' may be attached to a polyanion before
the polyanion is attached to a nanoparticle. In this embodiment, X
in the polyanion conjugate represents either -Q-X' or X'.
Alternatively, a recognition group X' may be attached to a
polyanion after the polyanion has already been attached to a
nanoparticle.
[0045] A preferred method for attaching polyanionic polymer
conjugates to a nanoparticle is based on an aging process described
in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/344,667, filed Jun. 25, 1999;
09/603,830, filed Jun. 26, 2000; 09/760,500, filed Jan. 12, 2001;
09/820,279, filed Mar. 28, 2001; 09/927,777, filed Aug. 10, 2001;
and in International application nos. PCT/US97/12783, filed Jul.
21, 1997; PCT/US00/17507, filed Jun. 26, 2000; PCT/US01/01190,
filed Jan. 12, 2001; PCT/US01/10071, filed Mar. 28, 2001, the
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0046] The aging process provides nanoparticle probes with enhanced
stability and selectivity. The polyanionic polymer conjugates are
contacted with the nanoparticles in water for a time sufficient to
allow at least some of the polyanionic polymer conjugates to bind
to the nanoparticles by means of the functional groups. Such times
can be determined empirically. For instance, it has been found that
a time of about 12-24 hours gives good results. Other suitable
conditions for binding of the polyanionic polymer conjugates can
also be determined empirically. For instance, a concentration of
about 10-20 nM nanoparticles and incubation at room temperature
gives good results.
[0047] Next, at least one salt is added to the water to form a salt
solution. The salt can be any suitable water-soluble salt. For
instance, the salt may be sodium chloride, lithium chloride,
potassium chloride, cesium chloride, ammonium chloride, sodium
nitrate, lithium nitrate, cesium nitrate, sodium acetate, lithium
acetate, cesium acetate, ammonium acetate, a combination of two or
more of these salts, or one of these salts in phosphate buffer.
Preferably, the salt is added as a concentrated solution, but it
could be added as a solid. The salt can be added to the water all
at one time or the salt is added gradually over time. By "gradually
over time" is meant that the salt is added in at least two portions
at intervals spaced apart by a period of time. Suitable time
intervals can be determined empirically.
[0048] The ionic strength of the salt solution must be sufficient
to overcome at least partially the electrostatic repulsion of the
polyanionic polymer conjugates from each other and, either the
electrostatic attraction of the negatively-charged polyanionic
polymer conjugates for positively-charged nanoparticles, or the
electrostatic repulsion of the negatively-charged polyanionic
polymer conjugates from negatively-charged nanoparticles. Gradually
reducing the electrostatic attraction and repulsion by adding the
salt gradually over time provides the highest surface density of
polyanionic polymer conjugates on the nanoparticles. Suitable ionic
strengths can be determined empirically for each salt or
combination of salts. A final concentration of sodium chloride of
from about 0.1 M to about 3.0 M in phosphate buffer, preferably
with the concentration of sodium chloride being increased gradually
over time, has been found to give good results.
[0049] After adding the salt, the polyanionic polymer conjugates
and nanoparticles are incubated in the salt solution for an
additional period of time sufficient to allow sufficient additional
polyanionic polymer conjugates to bind to the nanoparticles to
produce the stable nanoparticle-polyanion polymer probes. The time
of this incubation can be determined empirically. A total
incubation time of about 24-48, preferably 40 hours, gives good
results (this is the total time of incubation; as noted above; the
salt concentration can be increased gradually over this total
time). This second period of incubation in the salt solution is
referred to herein as the "aging" step. Other suitable conditions
for this "aging" step can also be determined empirically. For
instance, incubation at room temperature and pH 7.0 gives good
results. The solution is then centrifuged and the nanoparticle
probes processed as desired.
[0050] The probes produced by use of the "aging" step are more
stable than those produced without the "aging" step. As noted
above, this increased stability is due to the increased density of
the polyanionic polymer conjugates on the surfaces of the
nanoparticles which is achieved by the "aging" step. The surface
density achieved by the "aging" step will depend on the size and
type of nanoparticles and on the length, and concentration of the
polyanionic polymer conjugates. A surface density adequate to make
the nanoparticles stable and the conditions necessary to obtain it
for a desired combination of nanoparticles and polyanionic polymer
conjugates can be determined empirically.
[0051] Nanoparticles having polyanionic polymer conjugates of the
invention attached thereto (referred to herein as "nanoparticle
probes" or "nanoparticle conjugates") have a variety of uses. For
instance, they can be used as probes to detect or quantitate
analytes. See, e.g., PCT application WO 98/04740; PCT application
WO 98/21587; Storhoff et al., J. Clust. Sci., 8: 179 (1997);
Brousseau et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 120: 7645 (1998); Freeman et
al., Science, 267: 1629 (1995); Zhu et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 119:
235 (1997); Mirkin et al., Nature, 382: 607 (1996); Elghanian et
al., Science, 277: 1078 (1997); Storhoff et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.,
120: 1959 (1998). Analytes that can be detected or quantitated
according to the invention include polysaccharides, lipids,
lipopolysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins,
nucleoproteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, and nucleic acids.
Specific analytes include antibodies, immunoglobulins, albumin,
hemoglobin, coagulation factors, peptide and protein hormones
(e.g., insulin, gonadotropin, somatotropin), non-peptide hormones,
interleukins, interferons, other cytokines, peptides comprising a
tumor-specific epitope (i.e., an epitope found only on a
tumor-specific protein), cells (e.g., red blood cells), cell
surface molecules (e.g., CD antigens, integrins, cell receptors),
microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, parasites, molds, and fungi),
fragments, portions, components or products of microorganisms,
small organic molecules (e.g., digoxin, heroin, cocaine, morphine,
mescaline, lysergic acid, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol,
steroids, pentamidine, and biotin), etc. Nucleic acids and
oligonucleotides that can be detected or quantitated include genes
(e.g., a gene associated with a particular disease), viral RNA and
DNA, bacterial DNA, fungal DNA, mammalian DNA (e.g., human DNA),
cDNA, mRNA, RNA and DNA fragments, oligonucleotides, synthetic
oligonucleotides, modified oligonucleotides, single-stranded and
double-stranded nucleic acids, natural and synthetic nucleic acids,
etc.
[0052] To serve as probes, the nanoparticle probes of the invention
include the recognition probe section X', as part of the
polyanionic polymer conjugates attached thereto, which allows the
nanoparticle probes to bind specifically to the analyte. Suitable
recognition probes X' and methods of making them are well known in
the art. For instance, essentially any analyte can be detected or
quantitated using antibodies specific for the analyte. In addition,
any molecule which binds specifically to the analyte can be used,
and many such molecules are known in the art. For instance, nucleic
acids can be detected or quantitated using oligonucleotides having
a sequence which is complementary to at least a portion of the
analyte nucleic acid. Also, lectins can be used to detect or
quantitate polysaccharides and glycosylated proteins. As another
example, a receptor can be used to detect its ligand and vice
versa. Many other suitable recognition probes X' are known.
[0053] To perform an assay according to the invention, a sample
suspected of containing an analyte is contacted with nanoparticle
probes having recognition probes X' attached thereto. Any type of
sample can be used. For instance, the sample may be a biological
fluid (e.g., serum, plasma, blood, saliva, and urine), cells, cell
lysates, tissues, libraries of compounds (e.g., organic chemicals
or peptides), solutions containing PCR components, etc. Conditions
and formats for performing such assays are well known in the art
(see, e.g., the references cited above) or can be determined
empirically by those of ordinary skill in the art. Finally, the
property or properties of the nanoparticles is (are) detected or
measured in order to detect or quantitate the analyte. Preferably,
the property is redox activity or optical activity (e.g.,
fluorescence or color as described below). Methods of detecting and
measuring these properties are well known in the art.
[0054] One example of a method for detecting a target analyte
wherein the target analyte is a nucleic acid comprises contacting
the nucleic acid with one or more types of nanoparticle probes of
the invention. The nucleic acid to be detected has at least two
portions. The lengths of these portions and the distance(s), if
any, between them are chosen so that when the recognition probes on
the nanoparticle probes hybridize to the nucleic acid, a detectable
change occurs. These lengths and distances can be determined
empirically and will depend on the type of particle used and its
size and the type of electrolyte which will be present in solutions
used in the assay (as is known in the art, certain electrolytes
affect the conformation of nucleic acids).
[0055] Also, when a nucleic acid is to be detected in the presence
of other nucleic acids, the portions of the nucleic acid to which
the recognition probes on the nanoparticle probes are to bind must
be chosen so that they contain sufficient unique sequence so that
detection of the nucleic acid will be specific. Guidelines for
doing so are well known in the art.
[0056] Although nucleic acids may contain repeating sequences close
enough to each other so that only one type of nanoparticle probe
need be used, this will be a rare occurrence. In general, the
chosen portions of the nucleic acid will have different sequences
and will be contacted with nanoparticles having polyanionic polymer
conjugates attached thereto, wherein the conjugates carry two or
more different recognition probes, preferably attached to different
nanoparticles. Additional portions of the DNA could be targeted
with corresponding nanoparticles. Targeting several portions of a
nucleic acid increases the magnitude of the detectable change.
[0057] The contacting of the nanoparticle probes with the nucleic
acid takes place under conditions effective for hybridization of
the recognition probes on the polyanionic polymer conjugates
attached to the nanoparticles with the target sequence(s) of the
nucleic acid. These hybridization conditions are well known in the
art and can readily be optimized for the particular system
employed. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A
Laboratory Manual (2nd ed. 1989). Preferably stringent
hybridization conditions are employed.
[0058] Faster hybridization can be obtained by freezing and thawing
a solution containing the nucleic acid to be detected and the
nanoparticle probes. The solution may be frozen in any convenient
manner, such as placing it in a dry ice-alcohol bath for a
sufficient time for the solution to freeze (generally about 1
minute for 100 microliters of solution). The solution must be
thawed at a temperature below the thermal denaturation temperature,
which can conveniently be room temperature for most combinations of
nanoparticle probes and nucleic acids. The hybridization is
complete, and the detectable change may be observed, after thawing
the solution.
[0059] The rate of hybridization can also be increased by warming
the solution containing the nucleic acid to be detected and the
nanoparticle probes to a temperature below the dissociation
temperature (Tm) for the complex formed between the recognition
probes on the nanoparticle probes and the target nucleic acid.
Alternatively, rapid hybridization can be achieved by heating above
the dissociation temperature (Tm) and allowing the solution to
cool.
[0060] The rate of hybridization can also be increased by
increasing the salt concentration (e.g., from 0.1 M to 1 M NaCl).
The rate of the reaction can also be increased by adding a volume
exclusion reagent such as dextran sulfate.
[0061] The detectable change that occurs upon hybridization of the
recognition probes on the nanoparticle probes to the nucleic acid
may be an optical change (e.g. color change), the formation of
aggregates of the nanoparticles, or the precipitation of the
aggregated nanoparticles. The optical changes can be observed with
the naked eye or spectroscopically. The formation of aggregates of
the nanoparticles can be observed by electron microscopy or by
nephelometry. The precipitation of the aggregated nanoparticles can
be observed with the naked eye or microscopically. Preferred are
color changes observable with the naked eye.
[0062] The observation of a color change with the naked eye can be
made more readily against a background of a contrasting color. For
instance, when gold nanoparticles are used, the observation of a
color change is facilitated by spotting a sample of the
hybridization solution on a solid white surface (such as silica or
alumina TLC plates, filter paper, cellulose nitrate membranes, and
nylon membranes, preferably a nylon membrane) and allowing the spot
to dry. Initially, the spot retains the color of the hybridization
solution (which ranges from pink/red, in the absence of
hybridization, to purplish-red/purple, if there has been
hybridization). On drying at room temperature or 80.degree. C.
(temperature is not critical), a blue spot develops if the
polyanion polymer-nanoparticle conjugates had been linked by
hybridization with the target nucleic acid prior to spotting. In
the absence of hybridization (e.g., because no target nucleic acid
is present), the spot is pink. The blue and the pink spots are
stable and do not change on subsequent cooling or heating or over
time. They provide a convenient permanent record of the test. No
other steps (such as a separation of hybridized and unhybridized
nanoparticle probes) are necessary to observe the color change. The
color change may be quantitated by recording the plate image with
an optical scanning device such as a flatbed scanner or CCD camera,
and analyzing the amount and type of color of each individual spot.
Alternatively, a color filter (e.g. red filter) may be used to
filter out specific colors so that the signal intensity of each
spot may be recorded and analyzed.
[0063] An alternate method for easily visualizing the assay results
is to spot a sample of nanoparticle probes hybridized to a target
nucleic acid on a glass fiber filter (e.g., Borosilicate Microfiber
Filter, 0.7 micron pore size, grade FG75, for use with gold
nanoparticles 13 nm in size), while drawing the liquid through the
filter. Subsequent rinsing with water washes the excess,
non-hybridized nanoparticle probes through the filter, leaving
behind an observable spot comprising the aggregates generated by
hybridization of the recognition probes on the nanoparticle probes
with the target nucleic acid (retained because these aggregates are
larger than the pores of the filter). This technique may provide
for greater sensitivity, since an excess of nanoparticle probes can
be used.
[0064] Binding may also be detected by light scattering techniques
such as those described in U.S. provisional application No.
60/474,569, filed May 30, 2003, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. In such methods, binding analytes, e.g.,
nucleic acids or proteins, can be detected through light scattering
techniques, where a change in light scattering caused by the
formation of nanoparticle label complexes within the penetration
depth of an evanescent wave of a wave guide signals the presence of
analyte.
[0065] Some embodiments of the method of detecting nucleic acid
utilize a substrate. By employing a substrate, the detectable
change (the signal) can be amplified and the sensitivity of the
assay increased.
[0066] Any substrate can be used which allows observation of the
detectable change. Suitable substrates include transparent solid
surfaces (e.g., glass, quartz, plastics and other polymers), opaque
solid surface (e.g., white solid surfaces, such as TLC silica
plates, filter paper, glass fiber filters, cellulose nitrate
membranes, nylon membranes), and conducting solid surfaces (e.g.,
indium-tin-oxide (ITO)). The substrate can be any shape or
thickness, but generally will be flat and thin. Preferred are
transparent substrates such as glass (e.g., glass slides) or
plastics (e.g., wells of microtiter plates).
[0067] In one embodiment of the method of detecting nucleic acid
using a substrate, oligonucleotides are attached to the substrate.
The oligonucleotides can be attached to the substrates as described
in, e.g., Chrisey et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 24, 3031-3039 (1996);
Chrisey et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 24, 3040-3047 (1996); Mucic et
al., Chem. Commun., 555 (1996); Zimmermann and Cox, Nucleic Acids
Res., 22, 492 (1994); Bottomley et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A,
10, 591 (1992); and Hegner et al., FEBS Lett., 336, 452 (1993).
[0068] The oligonucleotides attached to the substrate have a
sequence complementary to a first portion of the sequence of a
nucleic acid to be detected. The nucleic acid is contacted with the
substrate under conditions effective to allow hybridization of the
oligonucleotides on the substrate with the nucleic acid. In this
manner the nucleic acid becomes bound to the substrate. Any unbound
nucleic acid is preferably washed from the substrate before adding
nanoparticle probes.
[0069] Next, the nucleic acid bound to the substrate is contacted
with a first type of nanoparticle probes. The recognition probes on
the nanoparticle probes have a sequence complementary to a second
portion of the sequence of the nucleic acid, and the contacting
takes place under conditions effective to allow hybridization of
the recognition probes on the nanoparticles with the nucleic acid.
In this manner the first type of nanoparticle probes become bound
to the substrate. After the nanoparticle probes are bound to the
substrate, the substrate is washed to remove any unbound
nanoparticle probes and nucleic acid.
[0070] The recognition probes on the first type of nanoparticle
probes may all have the same sequence or may have different
sequences that hybridize with different portions of the nucleic
acid to be detected. When recognition probes having different
sequences are used, each nanoparticle may have all of the different
recognition probes attached to it or, preferably, the different
recognition probes are attached to different nanoparticles.
Alternatively, the recognition probes on each of the first type of
nanoparticle probes may have a plurality of different sequences, at
least one of which must hybridize with a portion of the nucleic
acid to be detected.
[0071] The first type of nanoparticle probes bound to the substrate
are optionally contacted with a second type of nanoparticle probes.
These recognition probes (on the second type of nanoparticle
probes) have a sequence complementary to at least a portion of the
sequence(s) of the recognition probes on the first type
nanoparticle probes, and the contacting takes place under
conditions effective to allow hybridization of the recognition
probes on the first type of nanoparticle probes with those on the
second type of nanoparticle probes. After the nanoparticles are
bound, the substrate is preferably washed to remove any unbound
conjugates.
[0072] The combination of hybridizations produces a detectable
change. The detectable changes are the same as those described
above, except that the use of the second type of nanoparticle
probes provides multiple hybridizations which result in an
amplification of the detectable change. In particular, since each
of the first type of nanoparticle probes has multiple recognition
probes (having the same or different sequences) attached to it,
each of the first type of nanoparticle probes can hybridize to a
plurality of the second type of nanoparticle probes. Also, the
first type of nanoparticle probes may be hybridized to more than
one portion of the nucleic acid to be detected. The amplification
provided by the multiple hybridizations may make the change
detectable for the first time or may increase the magnitude of the
detectable change. This amplification increases the sensitivity of
the assay, allowing for detection of small amounts of nucleic
acid.
[0073] If desired, additional layers of nanoparticles can be built
up by successive additions of the first and second types of
nanoparticle probes. In this way, the number of nanoparticles
immobilized per molecule of target nucleic acid can be further
increased with a corresponding increase in intensity of the
signal.
[0074] In one embodiment for detection of non-nucleic acid analytes
(see for example U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/820,279, filed
Mar. 28, 2001, and International application PCT/01/10071, filed
Mar. 28, 2001, each of which is incorporated herein by reference)
the analyte may be bound directly or indirectly, via covalent or
non-covalent interactions, to a substrate. The substrates are the
same type as described above. For indirect binding, the analyte can
be bound to the substrate via a linker, e.g., an oligonucleotide or
other spacer molecule. Alternatively, the analyte may be modified
by binding it to an oligonucleotide having a sequence that is
complementary to at least a portion of the sequence of a capture
probe, such as an oligonucleotide, bound to a substrate. The
nanoparticle probes having recognition probes that can hybridize to
the analyte are then contacted with the substrate under conditions
effective to allow the specific binding of the recognition probes
to the analyte bound to the substrate and the presence of the
analyte can be visually detected either by formation of a spot on
the substrate or through the use of staining material such as
silver on gold stain.
[0075] In another method for detecting analytes, the target analyte
can be modified by attaching the analyte to a polyanionic polymer
conjugate as the recognition probe and attaching the polyanionic
polymer conjugate to a nanoparticle. Thereafter, the modified
nanoparticle probe is contacted with a substrate having a second
member of the recognition couple bound thereto. The presence of the
analyte can be visually detected either by formation of a spot on
the substrate or through the use of staining material such as
silver on gold stain.
[0076] In yet another method for detecting analytes, the target
analyte is modified by binding it to an oligonucleotide having a
sequence that is complementary to at least a portion of a sequence
of a recognition probe on a nanoparticle probe. The modified target
is then coupled to the recognition probe on the nanoparticle by
contacting the modified target and the nanoparticle under
conditions effective for hybridization between the oligonucleotide
bound to the target and the recognition probe on the nanoparticle.
The hybridized complex is then contacted with a substrate having a
recognition group for the analyte bound thereto. The presence of
the analyte can be visually detected either by formation of a spot
on the substrate or through the use of staining material such as
silver on gold stain.
[0077] When a substrate is employed, a detectable change can be
produced or enhanced by staining. Staining material, e.g., gold,
silver, etc., can be used to produce or enhance a detectable change
in any assay performed on a substrate, including those described
above. For instance, silver staining can be employed with any type
of nanoparticles that catalyze the reduction of silver. Preferred
are nanoparticles made of noble metals (e.g., gold and silver). See
Bassell, et al., J. Cell Biol., 126, 863-876 (1994); Braun-Howland
et al., Biotechniques, 13, 928-931 (1992). If the nanoparticles
being employed for the detection of analyte do not catalyze the
reduction of silver, then silver ions can be complexed to the
target analyte to catalyze the reduction. See Braun et al., Nature,
391, 775 (1998). Also, silver stains are known which can react with
the phosphate groups on nucleic acids.
[0078] The invention further provides kits for detecting the
presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample comprising. A
kit may comprise a container holding polyanionic polymer conjugates
having recognition probes attached thereto. A kit may also comprise
a container holding polyanionic polymer conjugates having
recognition probes, wherein the polyanionic polymer conjugates are
attached to nanoparticles. The kits may also contain other reagents
and items useful for performing the assays. The reagents may
include controls, standards, PCR reagents, hybridization reagents,
buffers, etc. Other items which be provided as part of the kit
include reaction devices (e.g., test tubes, microtiter plates,
solid surfaces (possibly having a capture molecule attached
thereto), syringes, pipettes, cuvettes, containers, etc.
[0079] The following examples are illustrative of the invention but
do not serve to limit its scope.
EXAMPLES
[0080] To illustrate the invention a representative non-nucleotide
based polyanionic polymer conjugate was prepared, Scheme 1. The
conjugate contains three parts: 1) a linker such as a steroid
cyclic disulfide anchor that is used as a linker for the gold
nanoparticle surface,.sup.7 2) a phosphate based polyanion backbone
with a bridging group (e.g. polyethylene glycol) designed to
provide nanoparticle stabilization, and 3) a fluorescein label as a
tag for purification and quantitation.
##STR00003##
a. Preparation and Purification of a Polyanion Polymer
[0081] The molecule was prepared using standard phosphoramidite
chemistry on an Expedite 8909 synthesizer and purified by reverse
phase HPLC using standard conditions.sup.5 while monitoring the 494
nm absorption maximum of the fluorescein tag. The purified product
exhibited a doublet at retention times of 37.8 and 38.2 minutes
respectively when monitored at 494 nm indicating the presence of
both the steroid cyclic disulfide anchor and the fluorescein tag,
FIG. 1. The retention time and the doublet observed for the product
are consistent with oligonucleotides modified with the steroid
cyclic disulfide linker, and the absorbance at 494 nm is
characteristic for the fluorescein chromophore. The purified
polyanion product was quantitated using the absorbance at 494 nm
(.epsilon..sub.494=75000 M.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1).
b. Loading onto Nanoparticles
[0082] The polyanion was loaded onto .about.16.5 nm diameter gold
nanoparticles prepared via the citrate method.sup.6 using the
following procedure. The gold nanoparticle solution (2 mL,
.about.14 nM) was mixed with polyanion DNA (final concentration=3.6
uM) and buffered to pH 7 at 10 mM phosphate (pH 7) and incubated at
room temperature overnight. The salt concentration was subsequently
adjusted to 0.1 M phosphate buffered saline (PBS; 10 mM phosphate,
0.1 M NaCl, pH 7) using 4 M PBS (10 mM phosphate, 4 M NaCl, pH 7),
and the solution was incubated for >40 hours. The probes were
isolated via centrifugation (13000 rpm.times.25 minutes), washed
once with water, and redispersed to a final gold nanoparticle
concentration of 10 nM using 10 mM phosphate (pH 7) buffer, 0.01%
azide. The polyanion coated gold nanoparticles were stable to
centrifugation and 0.1 M PBS as evidenced by the UV-vis spectrum
after isolation which exhibits an absorption maximum of 524 nm
which is characteristic of DNA-modified gold nanoparticles prepared
by the same procedure, FIG. 2..sup.5
c. Quantitation of Polyanion Conjugates Attached to the Gold
Nanoparticles
[0083] The polyanion conjugates attached to the gold nanoparticles
were quantitated using the absorbance signature associated with the
fluorescein to demonstrate that the polyanion conjugates were
attached to the nanoparticles. To quantitate the fluorescein
signature, the gold particles were dissolved to remove the
absorbance associated with the particles using the following
procedure. The polyanion conjugated gold nanoparticles (200 ul, 10
nM) were mixed with 0.1 M I.sub.2 (10 ul) and incubated at room
temperature for 10 minutes which dissolved the gold nanoparticles
turning the solution a yellowish color. A solution of 0.1 M sodium
thiosulfate (20 uL) was added to reduce the iodine and incubated
for five minutes at room temperature. The absorbance of this
solution was measured at 516 mm (absorption maxima of fluorescein
as modified by treatment with I.sub.2/thiosulfate) without dilution
to quantitate the amount of flourescein present and compared to a
standard concentration curve of the polyanion (without gold
nanoparticle) prepared using the same procedure, FIG. 3. The
standard curve for the concentration range of interest was linear.
Using the equation from the best fit line, the polyanion
concentration from the gold probe solution was measured to be 1.51
uM (Absorbance at 516 nms=0.17 AU). From the starting .about.10 nM
probe solution, this equates to .about.151 polyanion molecules per
particle.
d. Stability of Polyanion Conjugates Attached to the Gold
Nanoparticles
[0084] Stability towards elevated electrolyte concentrations as
well as temperature is critical for biomolecule assays which are
typically performed under such conditions. The robustness of the
polyanion gold conjugates as compared to the citrate stabilized
gold nanoparticles was tested by first monitoring the stability of
the two solutions at 0.5 M PBS over a four hour time period, FIG.
4. In this assay, the polyanion probe solution (5 nM, 100 uL) was
mixed with 100 ul of 1 M PBS (0.5 M PBS final concentration) at
room temperature, and the UV-vis spectrum was monitored as a
function of time. This process was repeated for the citrate
modified gold nanoparticles adjusted to 5 nM particle concentration
in 10 mM phosphate pH 7. The polyanion gold conjugates exhibit
little loss in signal over the four hour time period and no
detectable shifts in the UV-visible spectrum. By contrast, the
citrate modified gold nanoparticles exhibit a red shift within 15
seconds of mixing indicating instability followed by almost total
loss of signal over the four hour time period. This data clearly
demonstrates that the polyanion conjugated gold nanoparticles
exhibit significantly enhanced stability when compared to the
citrate modified gold nanoparticles. These studies therefore
provide data that indicate that the polyanion stabilized gold
nanoparticles may be used under conditions typically employed for
detection of biomolecules such as DNA and at gold nanoparticle
concentrations that may be detected optically or via other
methods..sup.5 This enhanced stability clearly distinguishes the
polyanion gold probes described here from previously prepared
polyanion gold probe conjugates..sup.1,2
[0085] The thermal stability of the polyanion gold nanoparticle
conjugates (prepared in 0.5 M PBS as described in FIG. 4 assay) was
tested by heating the solution to 95.degree. C. for five minutes
and 10 minutes and comparing the resulting UV-visible spectrum to
the same solution that had not undergone heat treatment, FIG. 5.
Under these conditions, the polyanion gold nanoparticle conjugates
are stable for five minutes at 95.degree. C. as little change in
the UV-visible spectrum was observed. After heating for 10 minutes,
a slight red shift in the UV-visible spectrum was observed
indicating slight instability to prolonged heating. Nonetheless,
these data demonstrate that the polyanion gold nanoparticle
conjugates are stable to extreme temperatures for short periods of
time (<five minutes).
e. Detection of Biomolecules
[0086] After demonstrating that polyanions were good stabilizers
for gold nanoparticles, the next goal was to demonstrate utility of
the polyanion probes in the detection of biomolecules. The
biotin/Streptavidin binding pair was chosen as a model system to
demonstrate this principle due to the high affinity of the binding
and the multiple binding sites associated with Streptavidin.
Polyanion sequence 6 was synthesized using standard phosphoramidite
chemistry with a Biotin-TEG CPG support for biotin incorporation,
Scheme 2. This Polyanion can be segmented into four distinct
portions 1) the steroid disulfide anchor.sup.7, 2) a Nitroindole UV
tag used for purification and quantification, 3) a phosphate-based
polyanion backbone (e.g., a polyethylene glycol based spacer), and
4) the tetraethylene glycol Biotin complex used for Streptavidin
recognition.
##STR00004##
[0087] Reverse phase HPLC was used to purify polyanion 6 using the
same protocol as for Polyanion 1 while monitoring the absorption at
265 nm and 328 nm, characteristic absorbance maxima of the
nitroindole tag. Polyanion 6 exhibited a doublet with retention
times of 39.8 and 40.1 minutes at both monitored wavelengths
indicating the presence of the steroid disulfide linker and the
nitroindole tag, FIG. 6.
[0088] Polyanion 6 was conjugated to .about.30 nm diameter gold
particles purchased from BBI, Inc (BBI measured mean diameter=30.9
nm by TEM). The initial solution of gold colloid (0.33 nM) was
mixed with Polyanion 6 (final concentration=800 nM) and incubated
for 64 hrs at room temperature. The probes were isolated from
solution by centrifugation (5,000 rpm for 20 minutes), washed once
in water and redispersed to 1.7 nM gold particle concentration in
10 mM Phosphate (pH 7) buffer, 0.01% Azide.
[0089] In previous experiments, it has been demonstrated that
DNA-modified gold nanoparticle probes may be used to detect
biomolecules such as DNA in solution by monitoring color changes
associated with particle aggregation either in solution or by
depositing aliquots of the solution onto a reverse phase plate and
drying, which is referred to as the spot test..sup.5 To demonstrate
that polyanion gold nanoparticle conjugates may be used for
biomolecule detection, a streptavidin binding experiment was
performed using the polyanion 6 conjugated gold nanoparticle probes
which contain biotin functionalities. In a typical experiment, the
probes (24 .mu.l, 1.1 nM) were combined with one of the following
reagents (3 .mu.l): water, Bovine Serum Albumin (4 .mu.g/ml), or
Streptavidin (1 .mu.g/ml, 10 .mu.g/ml), and diluted to 0.055 M NaCl
using 20 ul of 1.times.PBS (0.15 M Sodium Chloride) and 7 ul of
water. After a fifteen minute incubation at room temperature, a 3
ul aliquot of the solution was spotted onto a reverse phase plate
and dried to monitor color changes associated with particle
aggregation, FIG. 7.A..sup.5 Both solutions containing the
Streptavidin exhibited a colorimetric transition from red to purple
or blue which indicates Streptavidin induced particle aggregation.
The control solutions containing the protein BSA or no target
exhibited a red color when spotted indicating that no significant
aggregation had taken place. The colorimetric changes associated
with the Streptavidin induced polyanion probe aggregation could
also be monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy, FIG. 7.B The UV-vis
data clearly shows the characteristic red shift associated with
particle aggregation in the presence of Streptavidin, but not in
the presence of the control protein BSA.
[0090] To further demonstrate the specificity of the biotinylated
gold probe/Streptavidin reaction, a competitive binding experiment
was performed where the Streptavidin was preincubated with free
d-Biotin prior to probe incubation. In a typical experiment,
Streptavidin solutions (3 ul of 1 .mu.g/ml) were prepared with a
dilution series of free d-Biotin (4.6 .mu.l of 900 .mu.M, 90 .mu.M
and 9 .mu.M) and diluted with water (10 .mu.l total volume). These
solutions were incubated at room temperature for 10 minutes then
added to a solution of Polyanion 6 (24 .mu.l of 1.1 nM gold probes)
and buffered with 1.times.PBS (20 .mu.l of 0.15 M Sodium Chloride).
After a fifteen minute incubation, a 3 ul aliquot of the sample was
placed on a reverse phase TLC plate and allowed to dry, FIG. 8.A.
The remainder of the solution was diluted in phosphate buffer (0.1
M Sodium Phosphate pH 7 to 200 .mu.l total volume), and a UV-vis
spectrum was recorded, FIG. 8.B. Both the spotted samples and the
UV-Vis spectra exhibit a trend of decreasing calorimetric red
shifts as the free d-Biotin concentration is increased, with the
solution containing the highest concentration of free d-Biotin
exhibiting a similar color and UV-vis spectrum when compared to the
BSA and no target controls. This trend indicates an increasing
inhibition of binding of the biotinylated probes to Streptavidin as
the free d-Biotin concentration is increased which results in
inhibition of particle aggregation. In conclusion, these
experiments clearly demonstrate that functionalized polyanion
probes may be used in biomolecule detection schemes based on
monitoring a signature associated with the nanoparticle probes.
Experimental, Preparation and Characterization of Polyanion
Conjugates
Reagents and General Methods
[0091] Spacer phosphoramidite 9, 3'-(6-FAM) CPG, 5-Nitroindole CE
phosphoramidite, and Biotin TEG CPG were purchased from Glen
Research, Inc (Sterling, Va.). The "steroid-disulfide"
phosphoramidite was prepared according to methods developed by
Letsinger and coworkers..sup.7 16.5 nm diameter gold nanoparticles
were prepared via the citrate method..sup.6 30.9 nm diameter gold
nanoparticles were purchased from BBInternational (Cardiff,
UK).
[0092] Polyanion synthesis was performed using an Applied
Biosystems 8909 nucleic acid synthesizer. High performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) of the polyanions was performed using an
Agilent series 1100 HPLC. Electronic absorption spectra were
recorded using an Agilent 8453 diode array spectrophotometer.
Nanoparticle solutions were centrifuged using a Beckman Coulter
Microfuge 18 centrifuge.
Protocols
[0093] The polyanion molecules were prepared using standard
phospharamidte chemistry..sup.7 Polyanion 1 was synthesized on a 1
umol scale using a 3'-(6-FAM) CPG support. Polyanion 6 was
synthesized on a 1 umol scale using a Biotin TEG CPG support. After
synthesis, the CPG-bound polyanions were cleaved from the solid
support in 1 mL of concentrated ammonium hydroxide at 55.degree. C.
for 14 hours. The ammonia was subsequently blown off using a stream
of nitrogen. An HPLC equipped with a reverse-phase Vydac
preparative column (5 um, 250.times.10 mm) was used for polyanion
purification. Purification was performed using 0.03 M
triethylammonium acetate (TEAA), pH 7 buffer with a 1%/min.
gradient of 95% CH.sub.3CN/5% 0.03 M TEAA at a flow rate of 4
mL/min. After purification the buffer was evaporated, and the
polyanions were resuspended in 25 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7). An
analytical HPLC was performed after purification to assess the
resulting purity of the polyanions using the same buffer system
with a reverse phase Vydac analytical column (5 um, 250.times.4 mm)
at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The polyanion-gold nanoparticle
conjugates were prepared as described in the report section.
REFERENCES
[0094] (1) M. A. Hayat, Ed., Colloidal Gold: Principles, Methods,
and Applications, vol. 1 (Academic Press, San Diego, 1989). [0095]
(2) D. I. Gittins, F. Caruso, J. Phys. Chem. B 105, 6846-6852
(2001). [0096] (3) C. A. Mirkin, R. L. Letsinger, R. C. Mucic, J.
J. Storhoff, Nature 382, 607-609 (Aug. 15, 1996). [0097] (4)
Letsinger, R. L.; Elghanian, R.; Viswanadham, G.; Mirkin, C. A.
Bioconjugate Chemistry 2000, 11, 289-291. [0098] (5) Storhoff, J.
J.; Elghanian, R.; Mucic, R. C.; Mirkin, C. A.; Letsinger, R. L.
Journal of the American Chemical Society 1998, 120, 1959-1964.
[0099] (6) Grabar, K. C.; Freeman, R. G.; Hommer, M. B.; Natan, M.
J. Analytical Chemistry 1995, 67, 735-743. [0100] (7)
Oligonucleotides and Analogues, 1.sup.st ed.; Eckstein, F., Ed.;
Oxford University Press: New York, 1991.
* * * * *