Ultrasensitive Detection of Pb Based on a DNAzyme and Digital PCR.

In this study, an ultrasensitive detection method for aqueous Pb based on digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) technology and a Pb-dependent DNAzyme was developed. In the presence of Pb, the Gr-5 DNAzyme was activated and catalyzed the hydrolytic cleavage of the substrate strand, resulting in an increase in the amount of template DNA available for dPCR and a resultant change in the number of droplets showing a positive signal. Moreover, the detection system was found to be sensitive and stable in environmental sample detection. In summary, an ultrasensitive quantitative detection method for Pb within environmental substrates was established.