Detection of radon based on the lead-induced conformational change in aptamer T30695Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6ra03481k

A novel simple and rapid strategy has been developed for the highly selective detection of accumulated radiation from radon and its decay products based on the lead-induced formation of a G-quadruplex. This method explores a new field in biological analysis that exploits the potential use of aptamers as sensors for gases and radioactive substances. A novel G-quadruplex sensor for the highly selective detection of accumulated radon and its decay products with low interference.