Adopting multi-donors to pair with one acceptor could improve the performance of fluorogenic detection probes. However, common dyes (e.g., fluorescein) in close proximity to each other would self-quench the fluorescence, and the fluorescence is difficult to restore. In this contribution, we constructed a novel “multi-donors-to-one acceptor” fluorescent DNA detection system by means of the intermolecular G-quadruplex (IGQ) structure-based fluorescence signal enhancement combined with the hairpin oligonucleotide. The novel IGQ-hairpin system was characterized using the p53 gene as the model target DNA. The proposed system showed an improved assay performance due to the introduction of IGQ-structure into fluorescent signaling probes, which could inhibit the background fluorescence and increase fluorescence restoration amplitude of fluoresceins upon target DNA hybridization. The proof-of-concept scheme is expected to provide new insight into the potential of G-quadruplex structure and promote the application of fluorescent oligonucleotide probes in fundamental research, diagnosis, and treatment of genetic diseases.Highlights► A novel “multi-donors-to-one acceptor” molecular beacon system (MB) is developed. ► An intermolecular G-quadruplex structure-based signaling probe is designed. ► For the proposed MB probe, the background fluorescence is inhibited. ► Self-quenched fluorescence can be restored by the specific binding of target. ► The current system shows an improved assay capability compared with conventional MB.

A simple and universal quencher-free molecular beacon (MB) with low background fluorescence is developed based on an intermolecular G-quadruplex signaling probe. Unlike previous fluorescent MB strategies, it can function without any fluorophore and quencher modifications on its hairpin sequence.

A simple and universal quencher-free molecular beacon (MB) with low background fluorescence is developed based on an intermolecular G-quadruplex signaling probe. Unlike previous fluorescent MB strategies, it can function without any fluorophore and quencher modifications on its hairpin sequence.