Determination of DNA using sodium 9,10-anthraquinone-2-sulfonate as an in situ photochemical fluorescence probe

An in situ photochemical fluorescence probe method for the determination of DNA with sodium 9,10-anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQS) as a photochemical fluorescence probe was developed. It was based on the conversion of AQS into an intensively fluorescent product by irradiating with UV radiation. The photochemical reaction is retarded by DNA. The determination can be carried out by measuring the fluorescence intensity at a fixed time. The calibration graph was linear in the range 0–80 ng ml−1 calf thymus (CT) DNA (r = 0.9991), the limit of detection was 3.2 ng ml−1 CT DNA (n = 9). The kinetic behaviour of the photochemical reaction and the effects of experimental conditions were investigated and discussed in detail. The results of absorption spectra and competitive binding experiments suggested the interaction between AQS and DNA to be intercalative.