Systems, Compositions And Methods For Nucleic Acid Detection

Abstract

The invention relates to stretch measurements of nucleic acids and correlating those measurements to the extent of double- and single-stranded content of a nucleic acid of interest, and to compositions, systems, and devices related thereto. In preferred embodiments, one performs the stretch or elasticity measurements under conditions such that one can determine a nucleic acid sequence or the presence of an oligonucleotide in a sample.

1 . A nucleic acid conjugate comprising:
 a) a single-stranded nucleic acid having a first end and a second end wherein said first end is immobilized on a substrate, said conjugate further comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of said single-stranded nucleic acid and hybridized thereto,   b) a distance marker, and   c) a molecular handle,   wherein said second end of said single-stranded nucleic acid is linked to said distance marker and to said molecular handle.   
     
     
         2 . The conjugate of  claim 1 , wherein said distance marker is selected from the group consisting of a luminescent moiety, a dielectric sphere, and a metallic particle. 
     
     
         3 . The conjugate of  claim 2 , wherein said luminescent moiety is a quantum dot. 
     
     
         4 . The conjugate of  claim 1 , wherein said molecular handle is selected from the group consisting of a ligand, a magnetic particle, and a particle of a size between 0.1×10 −9  m to 10 −4  m. 
     
     
         5 . The conjugate of  claim 1 , wherein said substrate comprises a transparent surface.