Nucleic acid sandwich hybridization: enhanced reaction rate with magnetic microparticles as carriers.

A method for the detection of nucleic acid hybrids using the sandwich hybridization technique with magnetic polystyrene microparticles as the solid support is described. The capture DNA is coupled to the polystyrene-hydroxy surface of the particles through p-toluenesulfonyl chloride activation. The use of microparticles results in a substantial increase in the reaction rate compared to filter hybridization, without decreasing the sensitivity of detection. Polyethylene glycol additionally enhances the reaction rate. The use of magnetic microparticles allows rapid and convenient collection of the formed hybrids.