Development of a Novel Quantum Dots and Graphene Oxide Based FRET Assay for Rapid Detection of invA Gene of Salmonella

Abstract

A novel, rapid and simple fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based <i>Salmonella</i> specific gene, <i>invA</i>, detection system was developed, in which quantum dots (QDs) and graphene oxide (GO) worked as fluorescent donor and quencher, respectively. By measuring the fluorescence intensity signal, the <i>Salmonella</i> specific <i>invA</i> gene could be sensitively and specifically detected with a limit of detection (LOD) of ∼4 nM of the <i>invA</i> gene in 20 min. The developed system has the potential to be used for <i>Salmonella</i> detection in food and environmental samples and further developed into a platform for detection of other bacterial pathogens.