Hybridization chain reaction for direct mRNA detection without nucleic acid purification

Abstract

Hybridization chain reaction (HCR) provides a feasible solution for nucleic acid detection without target amplification. By highly specific sandwich hybridization, target RNA can be directly captured onto solid support and detected using HCR with fluorescent dyes. Here, we describe a novel method for malaria RNA detection based on sandwich hybridization and two-dimensional HCR, without involving nucleic acid purification or any enzymatic reaction, using ordinary oligonucleotides without labeling or modification.