Magnetic Nanosensors for the Detection of Oligonucleotide Sequences

Abstract

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles conjugated to oligonucleotides exert sensitive and reversible effects on the spin–spin relaxation rates of adjacent water protons when the conjugates hybridize to target oligonucleotides (see temperature cycle in the picture). The fluid‐phase magnetic sensors provide the basis for detecting specific nucleic acid sequences in turbid media and potentially in tissues in vivo.