Detection of nucleic acids by cycling probe technology on magnetic particles: high sensitivity and ease of separation.

Cycling Probe Technology (CPT) is a signal amplification system that allows detection of nucleic acid target sequences without target amplification. CPT employs a sequence specific chimeric probe, typically DNA-RNA-DNA, which hybridizes to a complementary target DNA sequence and becomes a substrate for RNase H. Cleavage occurs at the RNA internucleotide linkages and results in dissociation of the probe from the target, thereby making it available for the next probe molecule. This communication describes the use of oligonucleotides attached to solid supports for target capture and release followed by solution and solid phase cycling. Through the attachment of chimeric probes to Sera-Mag magnetic particles (SMP) a simple and effective method of separating the cleaved probe from non-cycled probe has been developed. By capturing the target DNA on particles and separating it from the extraneous non-specific DNA we are able to dramatically reduce background and thus discriminate between samples of Methicillin Resistant (MRSA) and Methicillin Sensitive (MSSA) Staphylococcus Aureus. We conjugated oligonucleotide probes to SMPs (approximately 1 um) and Nylon beads (NB) which were coated with ID Biomedical's proprietary coating materials (R, patent pending). The general structure of the constructs is shown below: [table: see text]