An electrochemical microRNAs biosensor with the signal amplification of alkaline phosphatase and electrochemical–chemical–chemical redox cycling

Overview on the Development of Electrochemical Immunosensors by the Signal Amplification of Enzyme- or Nanozyme-Based Catalysis Plus Redox Cycling

Enzyme-linked electrochemical immunosensors have attracted considerable attention for the sensitive and selective detection of various targets in clinical diagnosis, food quality control, and environmental analysis. In order to improve the performances of conventional immunoassays, significant efforts have been made to couple enzyme-linked or nanozyme-based catalysis and redox cycling for signal amplification. The current review summarizes the recent advances in the development of enzyme- or nanozyme-based electrochemical immunosensors with redox cycling for signal amplification. The special features of redox cycling reactions and their synergistic functions in signal amplification are discussed. Additionally, the current challenges and future directions of enzyme- or nanozyme-based electrochemical immunosensors with redox cycling are addressed.

Optical Bioassays Based on the Signal Amplification of Redox Cycling

Optical bioassays are challenged by the growing requirements of sensitivity and simplicity. Recent developments in the combination of redox cycling with different optical methods for signal amplification have proven to have tremendous potential for improving analytical performances. In this review, we summarized the advances in optical bioassays based on the signal amplification of redox cycling, including colorimetry, fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, chemiluminescence, and electrochemiluminescence. Furthermore, this review highlighted the general principles to effectively couple redox cycling with optical bioassays, and particular attention was focused on current challenges and future opportunities.

Chemical-Chemical Redox Cycle Signal Amplification Strategy Combined with Dual Ratiometric Immunoassay for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Detection of Cardiac Troponin I

Improving the sensitivity and reproducibility of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) methods for the detection of bioactive molecules is crucial in biological process research and clinical diagnosis. Herein, we designed a novel SERS platform for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) detection by a chemical-chemical redox cycle signal amplification strategy combined with a dual ratiometric immunoassay. First, ascorbic acid (AA) was generated by enzyme-assisted immunoreaction with a cTnI-anchored sandwich structure. Then, oxidized 4-mercaptophenol (ox4-MP) was reacted with AA to produce 4-mercaptophenol (4-MP). Quantitative analysis of cTnI was realized by a Raman signal switch between ox4-MP and 4-MP. Specifically, AA could be regenerated by reductant (tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine, TCEP), which in turn produced more signal indicator 4-MP, causing significant signal amplification for cTnI analysis by SERS immunosensing. Moreover, a dual ratiometric-type SERS method was established with the intensity ratio I1077/I822 and I633/I822, which improved the reproducibility of the cTnI assay. The excellent performance of the chemical-chemical redox cycle strategy and ratio-type SERS assay endows the method with high sensitivity and reproducibility. The linear ranges of cTnI were 0.001 to 50.0 ng mL-1 with detection limits of 0.33 pg mL-1 (upon I1077/I822) and 0.31 pg mL-1 (upon I635/I822), respectively. The amount of cTnI in human serum samples yielded recoveries from 89.0 to 114%. This SERS method has remarkable analytical performance, providing an effective approach for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, and has great latent capacity in the sensitive detection of bioactive molecules.

Heating promoted super sensitive electrochemical detection of p53 gene based on alkaline phosphatase and nicking endonuclease Nt.BstNBI-assisted target recycling amplification strategy at heated gold disk electrode

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for detecting p53 gene was fabricated based on heated gold disk electrode coupling with endonuclease Nt.BstNBI-assisted target recycle amplification and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-based electrocatalytic signal amplification. For biosensor assembling, biotinylated ssDNA capture probes were first immobilized on heated Au disk electrode (HAuDE), then combined with streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase (SA-ALP) by biotin-SA interaction. ALP could catalyze the hydrolysis of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AAP) to produce ascorbic acid (AA). While AA could induce the redox cycling to generate electrocatalytic oxidation current in the presence of ferrocene methanol (FcM). When capture probes hybridized with p53, Nt.BstNBI would recognize and cleave the duplexes and p53 was released for recycling. Meanwhile, the biotin group dropt from the electrode surface and subsequently SA-ALP could not adhere to the electrode. The signal difference before and after cleavage was proportional to the p53 gene concentration. Furthermore, with electrode temperature elevated, the Nt.BstNBI and ALP activities could be increased, greatly improving the sensitivity and efficiency for p53 detection. A detection limit of 9.5 × 10^-17 M could be obtained (S/N = 3) with an electrode temperature of 40 °C, ca. four magnitudes lower than that at 25 °C.

Rapid and sensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase and glucose oxidase activity through fluorescence and colorimetric dual-mode analysis based on CuO NPs@ZIF-8 mediated enzyme-cascade reactions

The combined application of nanozymes and natural enzymes has received widespread attention in recent years. In this work, a simple and efficient method was used to synthesize a composite material of CuO nanoparticle-modified zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (CuO NPs@ZIF-8) with multiple enzyme activities (glucose oxidase-like and hydrolase-like activities) to detect the activity of natural enzymes through fluorescence and colorimetric (UV-vis) dual-mode detection. The hydrolase- and oxidase-like activities of CuO NPs@ZIF-8 show an acceptable affinity with l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate trisodium (AAP) and o-phenylenediamine (OPD). Using the developed sensor, highly sensitive detection of natural enzymes glucose oxidase (GOX) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was achieved through both fluorescent and colorimetric analyses with a wide linear range (fluorescence for GOX: 0.86-1.23 × 105 mU mL-1, UV-vis for GOX: 0.081-1.62 × 105 mU mL-1; fluorescence for ALP: 0.042-1.20 × 104 mU mL-1, UV-vis for ALP: 0.0046-1.23 × 104 mU mL-1) and low LOQs (fluorescence for GOX: 0.86 mU mL-1, UV-vis for GOX: 0.081 mU mL-1; fluorescence for ALP: 0.042 mU mL-1, UV-vis for ALP: 0.0046 mU mL-1). Compared to the other fluorescent and colorimetric sensors, this sensor has better catalytic activity due to the addition of GOX and ALP, which can amplify the detection signal and improve the sensitivity. This is the first time that composite material CuO NPs@ZIF-8 with "tandem enzyme" activity was synthesized and applied in the detection of enzyme activity. Additionally, the proposed fluorescent and UV-vis platforms exhibit the capability to detect GOX and ALP in serum samples with satisfactory recovery, indicating potential application prospects in biochemical analysis.

MiR-29b detection in serum using an electrochemical biosensor for the early diagnosis of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a severe perinatal condition with serious consequences for the growth and development of the mother and baby. MicroRNA-29b (miR-29b) is essential to the pathogenesis of GDM and can be used as a molecular biomarker for diagnosis. Given the limitations of current GDM screening technologies, there is a pressing need for a sensitive detection approach to evaluate serum miR-29b in GDM patients, thus aiding in disease treatment. In this study, an electrochemical biosensor Co₇Fe₃-CN nanoparticles (NPs) was developed. Using a duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) signal amplification strategy with a linear range of 1-10⁴ pM and a low detection limit of 0.79 pM, the ultra-sensitive detection and quantification of miR-29b were accomplished. The dependability and applicability of the developed biosensor were validated by the standard method of qRT-PCR, and the content of serum miR-29b in GDM patients was shown to be significantly lower than that in the control group (P = 0.03). Specifically, miR-29b concentrations could be detected from 2.0 to 7.5 and 2.4-7.3 pM using qRT-PCR and the biosensor, respectively. These similar results indicated that a biosensor based on miR-29b detection has the potential to be used in the point-of-care testing of GDM patients in clinical practice.

Hybridization Chain Reaction-Based Electrochemical Biosensors by Integrating the Advantages of Homogeneous Reaction and Heterogeneous Detection

The conventional hybridization chain reaction (HCR)-based electrochemical biosensors usually require the immobilization of probes on the electrode surface. This will limit the applications of biosensors due to the shortcomings of complex immobilization processes and low HCR efficiency. In this work, we proposed astrategy for the design of HCR-based electrochemical biosensors by integrating the advantages of homogeneous reaction and heterogeneous detection. Specifically, the targets triggered the autonomous cross-opening and hybridization oftwobiotin-labeled hairpin probes to form long-nicked dsDNA polymers. The HCR products with many biotin tags were then captured by a streptavidin-covered electrode, thus allowing for the attachment of streptavidin-conjugated signal reporters through streptavidin-biotin interactions. By employing DNA and microRNA-21 as the model targets and glucose oxidase as the signal reporter, the analytical performances of the HCR-based electrochemical biosensors were investigated. The detection limits of this method were found to be 0.6 fM and 1 fM for DNA and microRNA-21, respectively. The proposed strategy exhibited good reliability for target analysis in serum and cellular lysates. The strategy can be used to develop various HCR-based biosensors for a wide range of applications because sequence-specific oligonucleotides exhibit high binding affinity to a series of targets. In light of the high stability and commercial availability of streptavidin-modified materials, the strategy can be used for the design of different biosensors by changing the signal reporter and/or the sequence of hairpin probes.

Signal Amplification-Based Biosensors and Application in RNA Tumor Markers

Tumor markers are important substances for assessing cancer development. In recent years, RNA tumor markers have attracted significant attention, and studies have shown that their abnormal expression of post-transcriptional regulatory genes is associated with tumor progression. Therefore, RNA tumor markers are considered as potential targets in clinical diagnosis and prognosis. Many studies show that biosensors have good application prospects in the field of medical diagnosis. The application of biosensors in RNA tumor markers is developing rapidly. These sensors have the advantages of high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and convenience. However, the detection abundance of RNA tumor markers is low. In order to improve the detection sensitivity, researchers have developed a variety of signal amplification strategies to enhance the detection signal. In this review, after a brief introduction of the sensing principles and designs of different biosensing platforms, we will summarize the latest research progress of electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, and fluorescent biosensors based on signal amplification strategies for detecting RNA tumor markers. This review provides a high sensitivity and good selectivity sensing platform for early-stage cancer research. It provides a new idea for the development of accurate, sensitive, and convenient biological analysis in the future, which can be used for the early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer and contribute to the reduction in the mortality rate.

Zip Nucleic Acid-Based Genomagnetic Assay for Electrochemical Detection of microRNA-34a

Zip nucleic acid (ZNA)-based genomagnetic assay was developed herein for the electrochemical detection of microRNA-34a (miR-34a), which is related to neurological disorders and cancer. The hybridization between the ZNA probe and miR-34a target was performed in the solution phase; then, the resultant hybrids were immobilized onto the surface of magnetic beads (MBs). After magnetic separation, the hybrids were separated from the surface of MBs and then immobilized on the surface of pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs). In the case of a full-match hybridization, the guanine oxidation signal was measured via the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. All the experimental parameters that influenced the hybridization efficiency (i.e., hybridization strategy, probe concentration, hybridization temperature, etc.) were optimized. The cross-selectivity of the genomagnetic assay was tested against two different miRNAs, miR-155 and miR-181b, individually as well as in mixture samples. To show the applicability of the ZNA-based genomagnetic assay for miR-34a detection in real samples, a batch of experiments was carried out in this study by using the total RNA samples isolated from the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HUH-7).

On-chip miRNA extraction platforms: recent technological advances and implications for next generation point-of-care nucleic acid tests

Circulating microRNAs (or miRNAs) in bodily fluids, are increasingly being highlighted as promising diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for a broad range of pathologies. Although nucleic acid sensors have been developed that can detect minute concentrations of biomarkers with high sensitivity and sequence specificity, their robustness is often compromised by sample collection and processing prior to analysis. Such steps either (i) involve complex, multi-step procedures and toxic chemicals unsuitable for incorporation into portable devices or (ii) are inefficient and non-standardised therefore affecting the reliability/reproducibility of the test. The development of point-of-care nucleic acid tests based on the detection of miRNAs is therefore highly dependent on the development of an automated, on-chip, sample processing platform that would enable extraction or pre-purification of the biological specimen prior to reaching the sensing platform. In this review we categorise and critically discuss the most promising technologies that have been developed to facilitate the transition of nucleic acid tests based on miRNA detection from bench to bedside.

A gold nanoparticle-dye/poly(3-aminobenzylamine)/two dimensional MoSe2/graphene oxide electrode towards label-free electrochemical biosensor for simultaneous dual-mode detection of cancer antigen 15-3 and microRNA-21

A dual-mode electrochemical biosensor is successfully developed for simultaneous detection of two different kinds of breast cancer biomarkers, namely cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and microRNA-21 (miRNA-21), for the first time. The sensor composes of a poly(3-aminobenzylamine)/two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum selenide/graphene oxide nanocomposite modified two-screen-printed carbon electrode array (dual electrode), functionalized individually with 2,3-diaminophenazine-gold nanoparticles and toluidine blue-gold nanoparticles. Both kinds of the redox probe-gold nanoparticles are employed as signaling molecules and supports for immobilization of anti-CA 15-3 antibodies and capture DNA-21 probes, respectively. Due to the good conductivity and high surface-to-volume ratio of the nanocomposite, high amount of the antibodies and capture probes can be immobilized on the modified dual-electrode, giving the efficient duplex detection. Consequently, the biosensor provides good selectivity, and high sensitivity for the dual target analyte detection. The experimental results show that this label-free biosensor exhibits good linear responses to the concentrations of both target analytes with the limits of detection (LODs) of 0.14 U mL^-1 and 1.2 fM for CA 15-3 and miRNA-21, respectively. This assay strategy has a great potential to be further developed for the simultaneous detection of a variety of miRNAs and protein biomarkers for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic applications.

Nucleic acid-based electrochemical biosensor: Recent advances in probe immobilization and signal amplification strategies

With the increasing importance of accurate and early disease diagnosis and the development of personalized medicine, DNA-based electrochemical biosensor has attracted broad scientific and clinical interests in the past decades due to its unique hybridization specificity, fast response time, and potential for miniaturization. In order to achieve high detection sensitivity, the design of DNA electrochemical biosensors depends critically on the improvement of the accessibility of target molecules and the enhancement of signal readout. Here, we summarize the recent advances in DNA probe immobilization and signal amplification strategies with a special focus on DNA nanostructure-supported DNA probe immobilization method, which provides the opportunity to rationally control the distance between probes and keep them in upright confirmation, as well as the contribution of functional nanomaterials in enhancing the signal amplification. The next challenge of biosensors will be the fabrication of point-of-care devices for clinical testing. The advancement of multidisciplinary areas, including nanofabrication, material science, and biochemistry, has exhibited profound promise in achieving such portable sensing devices. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures.

Electrochemical Immunosensors with PQQ-Decorated Carbon Nanotubes as Signal Labels for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine

Nanocatalysts are a promising alternative to natural enzymes as the signal labels of electrochemical biosensors. However, the surface modification of nanocatalysts and sensor electrodes with recognition elements and blockers may form a barrier to direct electron transfer, thus limiting the application of nanocatalysts in electrochemical immunoassays. Electron mediators can accelerate the electron transfer between nanocatalysts and electrodes. Nevertheless, it is hard to simultaneously achieve fast electron exchange between nanocatalysts and redox mediators as well as substrates. This work presents a scheme for the design of electrochemical immunosensors with nanocatalysts as signal labels, in which pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is the redox-active center of the nanocatalyst. PQQ was decorated on the surface of carbon nanotubes to catalyze the electrochemical oxidation of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) with ferrocenylmethanol (FcM) as the electron mediator. With prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as the model analyte, the detection limit of the sandwich-type immunosensor was found to be 5 pg/mL. The keys to success for this scheme are the slow chemical reaction between TCEP and ferricinum ions, and the high turnover frequency between ferricinum ions, PQQ. and TCEP. This work should be valuable for designing of novel nanolabels and nanocatalytic schemes for electrochemical biosensors.

An electrochemical biosensor for simultaneous detection of breast cancer clinically related microRNAs based on a gold nanoparticles/graphene quantum dots/graphene oxide film

A label-free multiplexed electrochemical biosensor based on a gold nanoparticles/graphene quantum dots/graphene oxide (AuNPs/GQDs/GO) modified three-screen-printed carbon electrode (3SPCE) array is successfully constructed to detect miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-210 biomarkers for the first time. Redox species (anthraquinone (AQ), methylene blue (MB), and polydopamine (PDA)) are used as redox indicators for anchoring capture miRNA probes, which hybridize with the complementary targets, miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-210, respectively. After three target miRNAs are present, the square wave voltammetry (SWV) scan displays three well-separated peaks. Each peak indicates the presence of one miRNA, and its intensity quantitatively correlates with the concentration of the corresponding target analyte. This phenomenon results in the substantial decline of the SWV peak current of the redox probes. The developed AuNPs/GQDs/GO-based biosensor reveals excellent performance for simultaneous miRNA sensing. It offers a wide linear dynamic range from 0.001 to 1000 pM with ultrasensitive low detection limits of 0.04, 0.33, and 0.28 fM for the detection of miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-210, respectively. It also presents high selectivity and applicability for the detection of miRNAs in human serum samples. This multiplex label-free miRNA biosensor has great potential for applications in breast cancer diagnosis.

A highly sensitive electrochemical microRNA-21 biosensor based on intercalating methylene blue signal amplification and a highly dispersed gold nanoparticles/graphene/polypyrrole composite

Numerous clinical studies suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) are indicative biomolecules for the early diagnosis of cancer. This work aims to develop a cost-effective and label-free electrochemical biosensor to detect miRNA-21, a biomarker of breast cancer. An electrochemical sensor is fabricated using a nanocomposite, consisting of graphene (GP), polypyrrole (PPY) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), modified onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to improve electron transfer properties and increase the degree of methylene blue (MB) intercalation for signal amplification. The GP/PPY-modified electrode offers good electrochemical reactivity and high dispersibility of AuNPs, resulting in excellent sensor performance. Peak current of the MB redox process, which is proportional to miRNA-21 concentration on the electrode surface, is monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimal conditions, this sensor is operated by monitoring the MB signal response due to the amount of hybridization products between miRNA-21 target molecules and DNA-21 probes immobilized on the electrode. The proposed biosensor reveals a linear range from 1.0 fM to 1.0 nM with a low detection limit of 0.020 fM. In addition, the miRNA-21 biosensor provides good selectivity, high stability, and satisfactory reproducibility, which shows promising potential in clinical research and diagnostic applications.

Electrochemical Biosensors for Detection of MicroRNA as a Cancer Biomarker: Pros and Cons

Cancer is the second most fatal disease in the world and an early diagnosis is important for a successful treatment. Thus, it is necessary to develop fast, sensitive, simple, and inexpensive analytical tools for cancer biomarker detection. MicroRNA (miRNA) is an RNA cancer biomarker where the expression level in body fluid is strongly correlated to cancer. Various biosensors involving the detection of miRNA for cancer diagnosis were developed. The present review offers a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in electrochemical biosensor for miRNA cancer marker detection from 2015 to 2020. The review focuses on the approaches to direct miRNA detection based on the electrochemical signal. It includes a RedOx-labeled probe with different designs, RedOx DNA-intercalating agents, various kinds of RedOx catalysts used to produce a signal response, and finally a free RedOx indicator. Furthermore, the advantages and drawbacks of these approaches are highlighted.

Electrochemiluminescence Biosensors Using Screen-Printed Electrodes

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (also called electrochemiluminescence (ECL)) has become a great focus of attention in different fields of analysis, mainly as a consequence of the potential remarkably high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. In the particular case of sensing applications, ECL biosensor unites the benefits of the high selectivity of biological recognition elements and the high sensitivity of ECL analysis methods. Hence, it is a powerful analytical device for sensitive detection of different analytes of interest in medical prognosis and diagnosis, food control and environment. These wide range of applications are increased by the introduction of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Disposable SPE-based biosensors cover the need to perform in-situ measurements with portable devices quickly and accurately. In this review, we sum up the latest biosensing applications and current progress on ECL bioanalysis combined with disposable SPEs in the field of bio affinity ECL sensors including immunosensors, DNA analysis and catalytic ECL sensors. Furthermore, the integration of nanomaterials with particular physical and chemical properties in the ECL biosensing systems has improved tremendously their sensitivity and overall performance, being one of the most appropriates research fields for the development of highly sensitive ECL biosensor devices.

Electrochemical biosensor for miRNA-21 based on gold-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles coated 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane

We report an electrochemical biosensor based on gold platinum bimetallic nanoparticles (AuPtBNPs)/3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTS) nanocomposite coated fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) as a biosensing platform for hybridization-based detection of miRNA-21. Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and electrochemical measurements were carried out to ensure the successful construction of the biosensor. The amount of cDNA immobilized on electrode surface and hybridization time required for the miRNA-21 sensing were optimized. The biosensing platform showed detection limit of 0.63 fM with wide linear range i.e. 1 fM-100 nM for miRNA-21 detection. The biosensing strategy demonstrates a good recovery yield from 90.18% to 94.6% in serum samples. It offers good selectivity for its complementary miRNA compared to the non-complementary miRNAs. Other analytical features of the biosensor such as stability, reusability and reproducibility were also tested, providing appropriate results.

The synergistic effect of Au-COF nanosheets and artificial peroxidase Au@ZIF-8(NiPd) rhombic dodecahedra for signal amplification for biomarker detection

Here, a new type of signal amplification strategy is proposed employing Au nanoparticle (AuNP)-functionalized covalent organic framework (Au-COF) nanosheets and AuNP functionalized ZIF-8(NiPd) (Au@ZIF-8(NiPd)) rhombic dodecahedra nanocomposites for sandwich electrochemical sensor construction. The peroxidase mimics Au@ZIF-8(NiPd) took the place of natural enzymes in enzyme-assisted amplification strategies, both acting as catalysts for H₂O₂ reduction for signal amplification, and serving as ideal nanocarriers for signal probe anchoring. The cancer biomarker thrombin (TB) was selected as the target. Thrombin binding aptamers (TBA 2) were fixed on Au@ZIF-8(NiPd), and the obtained TBA 2-Au@ZIF-8(NiPd) bioconjugates were employed as tracer labels, and TB was sandwiched between the tracer labels and capture probe TBA 1 which were immobilized on the Au-COF nanosheet modified electrode. Au-COFs with a high specific area, super electroconductivity, and uniformly distributed AuNPs were utilized as the electrode substrate to fix TBA 1. Exploiting the sandwich method, the proposed TB aptasensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.1 pM to 20 nM with a low detection limit of 15 fM (S/N = 3). The ingenious sensing strategy enriched the application diversity of the artificial enzyme and showed promise in research and development of point-of-care diagnostics.

Application of hairpin DNA-based biosensors with various signal amplification strategies in clinical diagnosis

Biosensors have been commonly used in biomedical diagnostic tools in recent years, because of a wide range of application, such as point-of-care monitoring of treatment and disease progression, drug discovery, commonly use food control, environmental monitoring and biomedical research. Additionally, development of DNA biosensors has been increased enormously over the past few years as confirmed by the large number of scientific publications in this field. A wide range of techniques can be used for the development of DNA biosensors, such as DNA nano-machines and various signal amplification strategies. This article selectively reviews the recent advances in DNA base biosensors with various signal amplification strategies for detection of cancer DNA and microRNA, infectious microorganisms, and toxic metal ions.

Molecular methods in electrochemical microRNA detection

High-throughput profiling/sensing of nucleic acids has recently emerged as a highly promising strategy for the early diagnosis and improved prognosis of a broad range of pathologies, most notably cancer. Among the potential biomarker candidates, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs of 19-25 nucleotides in length, are of particular interest due to their role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Developing miRNA sensing technologies that are quantitative, ultrasensitive and highly specific has proven very challenging because of their small size, low natural abundance and the high degree of sequence similarity among family members. When compared to optical based methods, electrochemical sensors offer many advantages in terms of sensitivity and scalability. This non-comprehensive review aims to break-down and highlight some of the most promising strategies for electrochemical sensing of microRNA biomarkers.

Graphitic C3N4 nanosheet and hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme-based label-free chemiluminescence aptasensing for biomarkers

Here we first reported that graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (g-C₃N₄ NS) could effectively quench the chemiluminescence (CL) of luminol-hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) system. According to the new discovery, a label-free and homogeneous CL aptasensing platform was designed for sensitive detecting of biomarkers. In the absence of target, DNA probe containing hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme structure was adsorbed on the surface of g-C₃N₄ NS, causing the CL quenching of luminol through an electron transfer process. However, in the presence of the target, a DNA-DNA duplex was formed due to DNA hybridization reaction and target recognition effect, which could not be adsorbed onto the g-C₃N₄ NS surface because of its weak affinity. Thus, the electron transfer was blocked and the CL emission of luminol could be enhanced. The proposed CL aptasensor could detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with a detection limit of 63.0 pg/mL and it can also be used as a general detecting strategy for adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) detection. This aptasensing platform exhibited high sensitivity toward biomarkers and the probe need not be labeled, showing great promise for disease diagnosis.

Magnetic Beads-Based Sensor with Tailored Sensitivity for Rapid and Single-Step Amperometric Determination of miRNAs

This work describes a sensitive amperometric magneto-biosensor for single-step and rapid determination of microRNAs (miRNAs). The developed strategy involves the use of direct hybridization of the target miRNA (miRNA-21) with a specific biotinylated DNA probe immobilized on streptavidin-modified magnetic beads (MBs), and labeling of the resulting heteroduplexes with a specific DNA–RNA antibody and the bacterial protein A (ProtA) conjugated with an horseradish peroxidase (HRP) homopolymer (Poly-HRP40) as an enzymatic label for signal amplification. Amperometric detection is performed upon magnetic capture of the modified MBs onto the working electrode surface of disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) using the H₂O₂/hydroquinone (HQ) system. The magnitude of the cathodic signal obtained at −0.20 V (vs. the Ag pseudo-reference electrode) demonstrated linear dependence with the concentration of the synthetic target miRNA over the 1.0 to 100 pM range. The method provided a detection limit (LOD) of 10 attomoles (in a 25 μL sample) without any target miRNA amplification in just 30 min (once the DNA capture probe-MBs were prepared). This approach shows improved sensitivity compared with that of biosensors constructed with the same anti-DNA–RNA Ab as capture instead of a detector antibody and further labeling with a Strep-HRP conjugate instead of the Poly-HRP40 homopolymer. The developed strategy involves a single step working protocol, as well as the possibility to tailor the sensitivity by enlarging the length of the DNA/miRNA heteroduplexes using additional probes and/or performing the labelling with ProtA conjugated with homopolymers prepared with different numbers of HRP molecules. The practical usefulness was demonstrated by determination of the endogenous levels of the mature target miRNA in 250 ng raw total RNA (RNA_t) extracted from human mammary epithelial normal (MCF-10A) and cancer (MCF-7) cells and tumor tissues.

Pyrrolidinyl PNA polypyrrole/silver nanofoam electrode as a novel label-free electrochemical miRNA-21 biosensor

A label-free electrochemical miRNA biosensor was developed based on a pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid (acpcPNA)/polypyrrole (PPy)/silver nanofoam (AgNF) modified electrode. The AgNF was electrodeposited as redox indicator on a gold electrode, which was then functionalized with an electropolymerized layer of PPy, a conducting polymer, to immobilize the PNA probes. The fabrication process was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The biosensor was used to detect miRNA-21, a biomarker abnormally expressed in most cancers. The signal was monitored by the change in current of the AgNF redox reaction before and after hybridization using cyclic voltammetry. Two PNA probe lengths were investigated and the longer probe exhibited a better performance. Nucleotide overhangs on the electrode side affected the signal more than overhangs on the solution side due to the greater insulation of the sensing surface. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical signal was proportional to miRNA-21 concentrations between 0.20fM and 1.0nM, with a very low detection limit of 0.20fM. The biosensor showed a high specificity which could discriminate between complementary, single-, doubled-base mismatched, and non-complementary targets. Three out of the seven tested plasma samples provided detectable concentrations (63 ± 4, 111 ± 4 and 164 ± 7fM). The sensor also showed good recoveries (81-119%). The results indicated the possibilities of this biosensor for analysis without RNA extraction and/or amplification, making the sensor potentially useful for both the prognosis and diagnosis of cancer in clinical application.

Gold-loaded nanoporous ferric oxide nanocubes for electrocatalytic detection of microRNA at attomolar level

A crucial issue in microRNA (miRNA) detection is the lack of sensitive method capable of detecting the low levels of miRNA in RNA samples. Herein, we present a sensitive and specific method for the electrocatalytic detection of miR-107 using gold-loaded nanoporous superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocubes (Au-NPFe₂O₃NC). The target miRNA was directly adsorbed onto the gold surfaces of Au-NPFe₂O₃NC via gold-RNA affinity interaction. The electrocatalytic activity of Au-NPFe₂O₃NC was then used for the reduction of ruthenium hexaammine(III) chloride (RuHex, [Ru(NH₃)₆]³⁺) bound with target miRNA. The catalytic signal was further amplified by using the ferri/ferrocyanide [Fe(CN)₆]^3-/4- system. These multiple signal enhancement steps enable our assay to achieve the detection limit of 100aM which is several orders of magnitudes better than most of the conventional miRNA sensors. The method was also successfully applied to detect miR-107 from cancer cell lines and a panel of tissue samples derived from patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma with excellent reproducibility (% RSD = < 5%, for n = 3) and high specificity. The analytical accuracy of the method was validated with a standard RT-qPCR method. We believe that our method has the high translational potential for screening miRNAs in clinical samples.

Non-Invasive Breast Cancer Diagnosis through Electrochemical Biosensing at Different Molecular Levels

The rapid and accurate determination of specific circulating biomarkers at different molecular levels with non- or minimally invasive methods constitutes a major challenge to improve the breast cancer outcomes and life quality of patients. In this field, electrochemical biosensors have demonstrated to be promising alternatives against more complex conventional strategies to perform fast, accurate and on-site determination of circulating biomarkers at low concentrations in minimally treated body fluids. In this article, after discussing briefly the relevance and current challenges associated with the determination of breast cancer circulating biomarkers, an updated overview of the electrochemical affinity biosensing strategies emerged in the last 5 years for this purpose is provided highlighting the great potentiality of these methodologies. After critically discussing the most interesting features of the electrochemical strategies reported so far for the single or multiplexed determination of such biomarkers with demonstrated applicability in liquid biopsy analysis, existing challenges still to be addressed and future directions in this field will be pointed out.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing platform based on graphene wrapping SnO2 nanocorals and autonomous cascade DNA duplication strategy

In this work, a sensitive, universal and reusable electrochemical biosensor based on stannic oxide nanocorals-graphene hybrids (SnO₂ NCs-Gr) is developed for target DNA detection by using two kinds of DNA enzymes for signal amplification through an autonomous cascade DNA duplication strategy. A hairpin probe is designed composing of a projecting part at the 3'-end as identification sequence for target, a recognition site for nicking endonuclease, and an 18-carbon shim to stop polymerization process. The designed DNA duplication-incision-replacement process is handled by KF polymerase and endonuclease, then combining with gold nanoparticles as signal carrier for further signal amplification. In the detection system, the electrochemical-chemical-chemical procedure, which uses ferrocene methanol, tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine and l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate as oxidoreduction neurogen, deoxidizer and zymolyte, separately, is applied to amplify detection signal. Benefiting from the multiple signal amplification mechanism, the proposed sensor reveals a good linear connection between the peak current and logarithm of analyte concentration in range of 0.0001-1 × 10^-11molL^-1 with a detection limit of 1.25 × 10^-17molL^-1 (S/N=3). This assay also opens one promising strategy for ultrasensitive determination of other biological molecules for bioanalysis and biomedicine diagnostics.

Electrochemical DNA sandwich biosensor based on enzyme amplified microRNA-21 detection and gold nanoparticles

In this work, a novel electrochemical biosensor for miRNA-21 determination, involving a sandwich hybridization assay onto gold nanoparticles modified pencil graphite electrode (PGE) and enzyme signal amplification was reported. The thiol terminated capture probe 1 (SH-P1) was immobilized on the electrode through AuS interaction. In the presence of target miRNA-21, SH-P1 hybridized with the first part of the target, however, the second part hybridizes with a biotinylated probe P2 (B-P2). Then, a streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase was immobilized by a specific binding of avidin-B-P2. The enzyme catalyzed the electro-inactive α-naphtyl phosphate to an electro-active α-naphtol. The miRNA-21 detection was achieved through the changes of α-naphtol oxidation signals observed at +0.12V vs Ag/AgCl with Differential Pulse Voltammetry. Under the optimal detection conditions, the biosensor exhibited selective and sensitive detection with a linear range from 200pM to 388nM and the detection limit was 100pM (10fmol in 100μL).

Au nanoparticles/hollow molybdenum disulfide microcubes based biosensor for microRNA-21 detection coupled with duplex-specific nuclease and enzyme signal amplification

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for detecting microRNAs is fabricated based on hollow molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) microcubes. Duplex-specific nuclease, enzyme and electrochemical-chemical-chemical redox cycling are used for signal amplification. Hollow MoS₂ microcubes constructed by ultrathin nanosheets are synthesized by a facile template-assisted strategy and used as supporting substrate. For biosensor assembling, biotinylated ssDNA capture probes are first immobilized on Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)/MoS₂ modified electrode in order to combine with streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase (SA-ALP). When capture probes hybridize with miRNAs, duplex-specific nuclease cleaves the formative duplexes. At the moment, the biotin group strips from the electrode surface and SA-ALP is incapacitated to attach onto electrode. Then, ascorbic acids induce the electrochemical-chemical-chemical redox cycling to produce electrochemical response in the presence of ferrocene methanol and tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine. Under optimum conditions, the proposed biosensor shows a good linear relationship between the current variation and logarithm of the microRNAs concentration ranging from 0.1fM to 0.1pM with a detection limit of 0.086fM (S/N=3). Furthermore, the biosensor is successfully applied to detect target miRNA-21 in human serum samples.

Biosensors for breast cancer diagnosis: A review of bioreceptors, biotransducers and signal amplification strategies

Breast cancer is highly prevalent in females and accounts for second highest number of deaths, worldwide. Cumbersome, expensive and time consuming detection techniques presently available for detection of breast cancer potentiates the need for development of novel, specific and ultrasensitive devices. Biosensors are the promising and selective detection devices which hold immense potential as point of care (POC) tools. Present review comprehensively scrutinizes various breast cancer biosensors developed so far and their technical evaluation with respect to efficiency and potency of selected bioreceptors and biotransducers. Use of glycoproteins, DNA biomarkers, micro-RNA, circulatory tumor cells (CTC) and some potential biomarkers are introduced briefly. The review also discusses various strategies used in signal amplification such as nanomaterials, redox mediators, p19 protein, duplex specific nucleases (DSN) and redox cycling.

Sensitive electrochemical determination of miRNAs based on a sandwich assay onto magnetic microcarriers and hybridization chain reaction amplification

A novel electrochemical approach for determination of miRNAs involving a sandwich hybridization assay onto streptavidin-magnetic beads (Strep-MBs), hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification and amperometric detection at disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes is reported. Using miRNA-21 as the target analyte, a dynamic linear range from 0.2 to 5.0nM with a 60pM (1.5fmol in 25μL) detection limit was obtained. The achieved sensitivity is 24-fold higher than a non-HCR amplification approach involving conventional sandwich type assay onto MBs. Moreover, the whole assay time lasted 1h 45min which is remarkably shorter than other reported methodologies. The methodology exhibited full selectivity against other non-complementary miRNAs as well as an acceptable discrimination between homologous miRNA family members. The applicability of this novel approach was demonstrated by determining mature miRNA-21 in total RNA (RNAt) extracted from tumor cells and human tissues.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing platform for microRNA based on tungsten oxide-graphene composites coupling with catalyzed hairpin assembly target recycling and enzyme signal amplification

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for microRNA (miRNA) is developed based on tungsten oxide-graphene composites coupling with catalyzed hairpin assembly target recycling and enzyme signal amplification. WO3-Gr is prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and then coupled with gold nanoparticles to act as a sensing platform. The thiol-terminated capture probe H1 is immobilized on electrode through Au-S interaction. In the presence of target miRNA, H1 opens its hairpin structure by hybridization with target miRNA. This hybridization can be displaced from the structure by another stable biotinylated hairpin DNA (H2), and target miRNA is released back to the sample solution for next cycle. Thus, a large amount of H1-H2 duplex is produced after the cyclic process. At this point, a lot of signal indicators streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase (SA-ALP) are immobilized on the electrode by the specific binding of avidin-biotin. Then, thousands of ascorbic acid, which is the enzymatic product of ALP, induces the electrochemical-chemical-chemical redox cycling to produce a strongly electrochemical response in the presence of ferrocene methanol and tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the established biosensor can detect target miRNA down to 0.05fM (S/N=3) with a linear range from 0.1fM to 100pM, and discriminate target miRNA from mismatched miRNA with a high selectivity.

Electrochemical immunosensors and their recent nanomaterial-based signal amplification strategies: a review

In recent years, tremendous advances have been made in biosensors based on nanoscale electrochemical immunosensors for use in the fields of agriculture, food safety, biomedicine, quality control, and environmental and industrial monitoring.