Fluorescence turn-on detection of a protein through the displaced single-stranded DNA binding protein binding to a molecular beacon.

A new approach has been developed for the highly sensitive and selective sensing of a protein. Lysozyme binding to its aptamer prevents SSB protein binding, and the subsequent binding of the free SSB protein to a molecular beacon results in a turn-on fluorescence signal, which can be used for lysozyme quantification. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011