Abstract: The present disclosure provides a general strategy based on CRISPR and oligonucleotide-detectable marker conjugates that allows sensitive detection of nucleic acid and non-nucleic acid target analytes without stringent temperature requirements. In various aspects, this strategy can be used for rapid and routine detection of viral and bacterial infections, screening of diseases with known biomarkers, and tracking the progression of diseases or response to therapy over time.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) comprising a nanoparticle core and an oligonucleotide, use of the SNAs to, e.g., detect target analytes, and methods of making the SNAs. In various embodiments, the target analyte is detected using the nanoparticle core, the oligonucleotide, or both. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises a detectable marker situated at an internal location within the oligonucleotide. In some aspects, the disclosure provides methods for detecting a target analyte comprising the step of contacting the target analyte with a spherical nucleic acid (SNA) and an agent, the SNA comprising a protein core and an oligonucleotide attached thereto, wherein the contacting of the protein core with the target analyte results in a change in the target analyte that is detectable by the agent, thereby detecting the target analyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to aptamers comprising a detectable marker situated at an internal location within the aptamer, use of the aptamers to, e.g., detect target analytes, and methods of making the aptamers. In exemplary embodiments, methods of the disclosure comprise contacting the target analyte with an aptamer comprising a detectable marker situated at an internal location within the aptamer, wherein the contacting results in binding of the target analyte to the aptamer, wherein target analyte binding to the aptamer results in restriction of internal rotation of the marker, resulting in a detectable change in the marker.