Bernd Faltin

Current Methods for Fluorescence-Based Universal Sequence-Dependent Detection of Nucleic Acids in Homogenous Assays and Clinical Applications

BACKGROUND Specific and sensitive nucleic acid (NA) testing in research and clinical diagnostics is usually performed by use of labeled oligonucleotide probes. However, the use of target-specific fluorogenic probes increases the cost of analysis. Therefore, universal sequence-dependent (USD) NA detection methods have been developed to facilitate cost-effective target detection using standardized reagents. CONTENT We provide a comprehensive review of the current methods for fluorescence-based USD NA detection. Initially, we focus on the emergence of these methods as a means to overcome the shortcomings of common NA detection methods, such as hydrolysis probes and molecular beacons. Thereafter, we provide a critical evaluation of the individual detection methods. These methods include (a) target amplification with bipartite primers introducing a universal detection tag to the amplicon (UniPrimer PCR, universal fluorescence energy transfer probe PCR, attached universal duplex probe PCR, and universal strand displacement amplification) or combined with bipartite probes comprising a universal detection region (mediator probe PCR, universal strand displacement amplification, universal quenching probe PCR) and (b) amplification-independent assays employing either a universal variant of the invader assay or universal NA hybridization sensors. We discuss differences between the methods and review clinical applications. SUMMARY The current methods for USD NA testing are cost-effective and flexible and have concordant analytical performance in comparison with common probe-based techniques. They can detect any target sequence by the simple use of a label-free, low-cost primer or probe combined with a universal fluorogenic reporter. The methods differ in the number of target specificities, capability of multiplexing, and incubation requirements (isothermal/thermocycling). Extensive clinical applications comprise detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, study of gene expression, in situ PCR, and quantification of pathogen load.

Real-time stability testing of air-dried primers and fluorogenic hydrolysis probes stabilized by trehalose and xanthan.

A method for conserving primers and differently labeled fluorogenic hydrolysis (i.e., TaqMan) probes at ambient conditions is presented. Primers and hydrolysis probes with four different fluorophore-quencher combinations (6- FAM-BHQ1, HEX-BHQ1, ROX-BHQ650, and Cy5-BHQ2) were mixed with trehalose and xanthan at final concentrations of 56 mM and 2.78 mM, respectively. Mixtures were air-dried at 23°C for 30 min on strips composed of cyclo olefin polymer (COP), a material widely used in the manufacturing of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test carriers. After one year of storage, the functionality of the primers and fluorophore-quencher combinations was validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), confirming their stability when stored in the presence of stabilizers, with the best results achieved using trehalose. This approach could be of great benefit for manufacturing IVD systems, for example, for genotyping applications based on multiplexing using different fluorescent dyes.

Adhesive bonding of microfluidic chips: influence of process parameters

In this note, the influence of process parameters for adhesive bonding as a versatile approach for the sealing of polymer microfluidic chips is investigated. Specifically, a process chain comprising pre-processing, adhesive transfer as well as post-processing is presented and parameter recommendations are provided. As a device for adhesive transfer, a modified laminator is utilized which transfers thin layers of adhesive onto the chip surface, only via a silicone roll. Using this device and a high temperature (Tg > 100 °C) epoxy adhesive, adhesive layers in the range of 2–4 µm can be reproducibly transferred (CV < 4%). For best bonding results, it is recommended to provide 2.5 µm thin layers of adhesive in combination with a subsequent evacuation step at 10 mbar for 3 h. Further, it is proposed to integrate capture channels near large, featureless areas to compensate for variations in processing and thus prevent clogging of channels.

Mediator probe PCR: detection of real-time PCR by label-free probes and a universal fluorogenic reporter.

Mediator probe PCR (MP PCR) is a novel detection format for real-time nucleic acid analysis. Label-free mediator probes (MP) and fluorogenic universal reporter (UR) oligonucleotides are combined to accomplish signal generation. Compared to conventional hydrolysis probe PCRs costs can thus be saved by using the same fluorogenic UR for signal generation in different assays. This tutorial provides a practical guideline to MP and UR design. MP design rules are very similar to those of hydrolysis probes. The major difference is in the replacement of the fluorophore and quencher by one UR-specific sequence tag, the mediator. Further protocols for the setup of reactions, to detect either DNA or RNA targets with clinical diagnostic target detection as models, are explained. Ready to use designs for URs are suggested and guidelines for their de novo design are provided as well, including a protocol for UR signal generation characterization.