DNAzymes in Environmental Sensing

Author: Vannela Raveender   Adriaens Peter  

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

ISSN: 1064-3389

Source: Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, Vol.36, Iss.5, 2006-09, pp. : 375-403

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Abstract

DNAzymes are biocatalysts with a promising capacity to selectively identify charged organic and inorganic compounds at ultratrace levels in industrial waste streams, chemical emissions, environmental samples, or biological systems for a variety of applications. Combining the specificity of nano-biological recognition probes and the sensitivity of laser-based optical detection, DNAzymes are capable of detecting and differentiating chemical constituents of complex systems to provide unambiguous identification and accurate quantification. This article reviews the state of the science of DNAzymes, as well as challenges to be met toward their widespread implementation. The results indicate that these nanosensors are transitioning from the proof-of-concept stage to field testing and commercialization. Promising areas of application include in situ monitoring of contaminated media, or industrial process streams that contain mixed organic wastes, such as heavy metals, organometallics, antibiotics, and other charged compounds. A new generation of DNAzyme-based sensors coupled with fiber-optic technology is emerging rapidly, exhibiting many advantages over state-of-the-art affinity sensors with applicability in environmental sensing. Although significant strides have been made in the area of selectivity, sensitivity, and catalytic rates of DNAzymes, challenges, by and large, remain in the development of efficient signal transduction technology for in situ applications.