Colorimetric detection of sodium ion in serum based on the G-quadruplex conformation related DNAzyme activity.

There has been a big challenge in developing the Na(+) sensor that can be practically used in the physiological system with the interference of large amounts of K(+). In this research, a novel Na(+) sensor has been designed based on the G-quadruplex-conformation related DNAzyme activity. The sensor exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity with the detection limit of 0.6 μM, which enables the sensor to be practically used in determination of the Na(+) level in serum. The research not only provides a simple Na(+) sensor but also opens a new way for developing the detection technology of Na(+).