Laser-induced fluorescence resonance energy transfer for analysis of the quality of a DNA double helix

Abstract

The goal of this work is to use the method of the laser-induced fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) of electronic excitation in a donor–acceptor pair of intercalators, (acridine orange (AO) as a donor and ethidium bromide (EB) as an acceptor), for the quantitative analysis of the quality of a DNA double helix. This approach obtains a visual picture of the defects of the genetic apparatus of tissue cells, particularly those of skin cells in real time and it can be used for the diagnosis of skin diseases and also in cosmetology.Transition metal (TM) ions such as Cu(II), Cu(I), Ag(I), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), photo- and thermo effects were used to cause double helix defects in DNA.The concentration of DNA sites after exposure to Cu(II), Cu(I), Ag(I) ions, AgNPs impact, as well as laser irradiation (λ = 457 nm) and temperature, which are applicable for intercalation, were estimated in relative units.The nanoscale FRET method enables the estimation of the concentration of double helix areas with high stability, applicable for intercalation in DNA after it was subjected to stress effect. It provides the opportunity to compare DNA-s of (1) different origin; (2) with various degrees of damage; (3) being in various functional states.