Proximity Binding-Triggered Assembly of Two MNAzymes for Catalyzed Release of G‑Quadruplex DNAzymes and an Ultrasensitive Homogeneous Bioassay of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor

When the target biorecognition-triggered assembly of two Mg2+-dependent DNAzymes (MNAzymes) is employed for dually catalytic release of peroxidase-mimicking G-quadruplex DNAzymes (G-DNAzymes), this work develops a novel homogeneous colorimetric method for an ultrasensitive bioassay of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). The first MNAzyme assembly is realized through a highly specific aptamer biorecognition-driven proximity ligation reaction. Its catalytic cleavage toward the two designed hairpin substrates not only releases a large amount of G-DNAzymes for colorimetric signal transduction but also enables the spontaneous assembly of another MNAzyme for signal amplification. This leads to the successful detection of PDGF-BB in a wide linear range from 2.0 pg mL–1 to 20 ng mL–1 with a very low detection down to 0.088 pg mL–1. As the whole reactions including aptamer biorecognitions, DNA hybridizations, and catalytic cleavages of MNAzymes are conducted in a homogeneous solution, this method has very simple manipulations and also has high repeatability. In addition, the high specificity of the aptamer biorecognition-triggered signal transduction decides the excellent selectivity of the method. This bioassay does not require an expensive instrument and nucleic acid labeling for signal readout or any nanomaterial, enzyme, or nuclease for signal amplification. Thus, it displays an extensive potential for clinical diagnostic applications.