The intracellular molecular dynamics of organogenesis, metabolism, splitting and biochemical damage are followed in-vivo and in real time. Intracellular species increase post drug stimulation has been detected and living cell dynamics has been followed in real time. The second work is about a novel DNA probe, molecular beacons. Molecular beacons are a new class of oligonucleotides that can report the presence of specific nucleic acids. They are capable of forming a hairpin loop with a fluorophore and a quencher attached to the two ends of a stem.
Molecular beacons emit an intense fluorescent signal only when hybridized to their target molecules.
We have designed a biotinylated ssDNA molecular beacon for surface immobilization and for the development of ultrasensitive DNA biosensors for gene analysis and functional studies, and for biomedical diagnostics. Coupled with our newly developed silica coated nanoparticles, the molecular beacon will be used for gene diagnosis of diseases. The ultrasensitive gene analysis will be widely useful in clinical applications where excellent detection capability means early diagnoses of disease, and thus the most effective and efficient treatment.