Sensing Lead in the Environment
Erin E. DooleyA lead-detecting sensor developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is less expensive and less complicated than current methods and can be used to obtain real-time, on-site data. The sensor employs small pieces of DNA that were discovered through an in vitro selection process to be sensitive to lead. Researchers manipulated the single-strand DNA to create a special site at which the metal ion would bond. A fluorescent tag has been added to the DNA to boost the sensor's detection abilities.
The sensor can be used for environmental and industrial monitoring as well as for clinical toxicology applications. Researchers believe that the principles used to develop this sensor can be applied to obtain DNA biosensors for other metals such as mercury, cadmium, calcium, and potassium.
COPYRIGHT 2001 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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