A Ratiometric Fluorescent DNA Radar Based on Contrary Response of DNA/Silver Nanoclusters and G-Quadruplex/Crystal Violet.

G-quadruplex (G4) exhibits infinite application foreground due to its special properties and critical roles in biological regulation. A DNA radar was first built by assigning the silver nanocluster (AgNC) as the radar transmitter, the middle single strand DNA-bridge connected on the AgNCs as the electromagnetic wave, and the G4/crystal violet complex as the radar antenna. The radar antenna could receive the signal of the target DNA that met the electromagnetic wave and give a location via light-up fluorescence. Here, G4 is chosen as the suitable template to connect potential nanomaterial AgNCs with the G4 binder (crystal violet, CV) since the rich guanine in G4 could not only enhance the fluorescence of AgNCs but also form quartets offering powerful binding sites for the G4 binder. Meanwhile, the hybridization behavior of the middle single strand-bridge produced contrary effects decreasing the fluorescence of AgNCs and increasing the fluorescence of G4/CV, which vests a ratiometric feature in such DNA radar. Additionally, this DNA radar model could realize a cascade of logic circuits, the construction of a 1-to-2 decoder, and the ratiometric detection of target DNA. This system could also be employed for DNA detection in a biological matrix, which could be potentially usable as a unique means for monitoring the pathological process of disease, and lays the foundation for the future treatment of diseases.