Gold nanoparticles functionalized with thiol-oligonucleotides are ideal platforms for detection of specific DNA sequences. Here we evaluate the effect of single base mismatches in hybridization efficiency according to the position of the mismatch, base pairing combination and thiol-oligonucleotide density in terms of specificity and efficiency of target recognition. Hybridization efficiency and single-nucleotide polymorphism discrimination at room temperature is maximized at a density of 83 ± 4 thiol-oligonucleotides per 13.5 nm gold nanoparticle (24 pmol/cm2), and when the mismatch is localized at the 3′-end of the Au-nanoprobe, i.e. away from the gold nanoparticle surface.

correlated with BMD (p<0.05) and demonstrated a trend for a positive association with bone strength.Conclusion These results indicate that bone cell activity infl uences bone strength.Moreover, we have documented for the fi rst time that fracture risk calculated by FRAX also translates bone biological behaviour.Thus, the FRAX score has both an epidemiological and a biological basis.This can have future signifi cant consequences for establishing a FRAX score threshold for treatment decision-making.