A simple and sensitive resonance Rayleigh scattering method for determination of As(III) using aptamer-modified nanogold as a probe.

A simple and selective aptamer (ssDNA)-modified nanogold probe (AussDNA) was prepared for the determination of trace As(III) in HEPES buffer solution (pH 8.2) containing 0.05 mol/L NaCl. The method coupled the aptamer reaction of AussDNA-As(III) and the resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) of nanogold aggregations at 278 nm. When the As(III) concentration increased, the RRS intensity at 278 nm increased to form more nanogold aggregation and a stable As(III)-ssDNA complex. Under selected conditions, the increased RRS intensity (ΔI) was linear to the concentration of As(III) in the range 3.8-230.4 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 1.9 ng/mL. This RRS method was applied to detect As(III) in water samples, with simplicity, sensitivity and selectivity.