Biosensors based on DNA intercalation using light polarization

The intercalation of polyaromatic compounds by DNA can serve as a basis for a simple and sensitive method for detection and quantification of carcinogens. The experimental technique is based on monitoring the decrease of polarization, caused by the displacement of an intercalated fluorescent dye molecule by the analyte molecule (carcinogen). The magnitude of the polarization decrease is proportional to the concentration of the analyte.