Hybridization technique for single-strand DNA (ssDNA) is an important strategy in modern biomedical engineering. Researches on ssDNA through asymmetric PCR generally include complex work and are time-consuming. In this paper, a novel approach was developed for asymmetric PCR based on gold nanoparticle. It was found that appropriate concentrations of gold nanoparticles can enhance significantly the efficiency of asymmetric PCR to obtain ssDNA without complex process. Using the proposed method, ssDNA prodcucts of CD17 (A→T) and IVS-2-654 (C→T) sites in the β-thalassemia has been achieved conveniently and rapidly.

Key words: gold nanoparticle, asymmetric PCR, ssDNA, β-thalassemia