A rational design of Hg2+-specific ssDNA (MSO) was proposed for the colorimetric biosensing system using unmodified AuNPs as indicators.
The leftover bases of MSO as a result of T–T mismatch can absorb on the AuNPs.
The DLS proved the size increase of MSO:DNA conjugate due to Hg2+ addition.
An improved LOD value by ∼20-fold was achieved by cutting the leftover bases.