The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods
comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles
having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method,
the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences
complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A
detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result
of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the
nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising
particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique
nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the
methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention
provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and
methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention
provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic
acids.
