Development and application of molecular probes

The development of DNA probes started from 1950's for diagnostic purposes and it is still 16 growing. DNA probes are applied in several fields such as food, medical, veterinary, environment 17 and security, with the aim of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The use of DNA probes permits 18 microorganism identification, including pathogen detection, and their quantification when used in 19 specific systems. Various techniques obtained success by the utilization of specific DNA probes, that 20 allowed the obtainment of rapid and specific results. From PCR, qPCR and blotting techniques that 21 were first used in well equipped laboratories to biosensors such as fiber optic, surface plasmon 22 resonance (SPR), electrochemical, and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensors that use 23 different transduction systems.