Colorimetric screening of DNA-binding molecules with gold nanoparticle probes

(Figure Presented) Nanoparticle assemblies interconnected with DNA can be used to screen for DNA-binding molecules colorimetrically. The melting temperature of the nanoparticle assembly increases in the presence of strong-DNA-binding molecules. Thus, the strength of the DNA binding can be determined by the change in this sharp melting transition, which is observable by a blue-to-red color change (see picture). © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.