Single step for Neisseria gonorrhoeae genomic DNA detection by using gold nanoparticle probe.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a cause of gonorrhea which is the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Bacterial culture is a gold standard method for this bacterial detection, but it is time-consuming and skilled technicians are needed. Therefore, the development of a rapid, easy and sensitive detection technique is still required. In the present study, we developed a specific gold nanoparticle probe for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae genomic DNA compared to a conventional PCR method. The average size of the synthesized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was approximately 13 nanometers. GNP probes could bind specifically with complementary sequences of DNA. Due to their salt-tolerance, GNPs solution remained in red color, which could be detected by naked eyes, after adding 100 mM MgSO4 solution. This method is easy and rapid with the detection limit of 20 ng/?L genomic DNA of N. gonorrhoeae. Twelve strains of bacteria were tested by this detection method and the results showed high specificity to N. gonorrhoeae. In conclusion, this developed method has the potential to apply for medical diagnosis