Electrochemiluminescence biosensor for miRNA-21 based on toehold-mediated strand displacement amplification with Ru(phen)32+ loaded DNA nanoclews as signal tags

Bright luminescent Zn2GeO4:Mn NP/MXene hydrogel-based ECL biosensor for glioblastoma diagnosis

In this work, miRNA-10b in the glioblastoma (GBM) tumor tissues has been detected by a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor. Firstly, a new kind of bright luminescent Zn2GeO4:Mn NPs were prepared as ECL nanoprobe, which possessed high fluorescence quantum yield and ECL quantum efficiency. Secondly, Ti3C2 MXene hydrogel (MXG) have been developed as the sensing interface. The MXG retained the inherent biocompatibility and mechanical features of hydrogel. Furthermore, the uniform distribution of metallic Ti3C2 MXene in the hydrogel microstructure provided the good conductivity and multiple binding sites for biomolecules. MXene also can promote the separation of the electrons and holes to accelerate the electron-transfer rate and improve ECL efficiency. Due to these synergistic effects, the screen printed electrode was successfully modified with MXG as sensing platform to enhance the ECL intensity of Zn2GeO4:Mn NP, which greatly improved the detection efficiency and facilitated the high-throughput analysis. Finally, the toehold mediated strand displacement (TMSD) strategy was employed with then biosensor to detect miRNA-10b with the range of 10 fM to 1 nM. The limit of detection was 5 fM. This ECL biosensor has been used to analyze miRNA-10b expression in GBM tumor tissues, which possessed the great potential value for clinical diagnosis.

From theory to practice: understanding the challenges in the implementation of electrogenerated chemiluminescence for analytical applications

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) stands out as a remarkable phenomenon of light emission at electrodes initiated by electrogenerated species in solution. Characterized by its exceptional sensitivity and minimal background optical signals, ECL finds applications across diverse domains, including biosensing, imaging, and various analytical applications. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to the utilization of ECL in analytical applications. Beginning with a brief exposition on the theory at the basis of ECL generation, we elucidate the diverse systems employed to initiate ECL. Furthermore, we delineate the principal systems utilized for ECL generation in analytical contexts, elucidating both advantages and challenges inherent to their use. Additionally, we provide an overview of different electrode materials and novel ECL-based protocols tailored for analytical purposes, with a specific emphasis on biosensing applications.

A highly sensitive and robust electrochemical biosensor for microRNA detection based on PNA-DNA hetero-three-way junction formation and target-recycling catalytic hairpin assembly amplification

Robust and sensitive methods for the detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in the clinical diagnosis of cancers. In this study, a novel electrochemical biosensor with high sensitivity for miRNA-21 detection is developed, which relies on the formation of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-DNA hetero-three-way junction (H3WJ) and target-recycling catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) amplification. The electroneutral PNA probes are initially immobilized onto a gold electrode to construct the sensor. Upon introduction of miRNA-21, target-recycling CHA is initiated, resulting in abundant double-stranded CHA products. Subsequently, association between the PNA probes and these products leads to the formation of PNA-DNA H3WJs. Consequently, the electrode surface is densely populated with numerous electroactive Ferrocene (Fc) groups, resulting in a significantly amplified current response for highly sensitive detection of miRNA-21 at concentrations as low as 0.15 fM. This approach demonstrates remarkable specificity towards target miRNAs and can be utilized for quantitative monitoring of miRNA-21 expression in human cancer cells. More importantly, the sensor exhibits exceptional stability and shows a significant reduction in background noise during miRNA detection, making this method a highly promising sensing platform for monitoring various miRNA biomarkers to facilitate the diagnosis of diverse cancers.

Highly specific and sensitive sandwich-type electrochemiluminescence biosensor for HPV16 DNA detection based on the base-stacking effect and bovine serum albumin carrier platform

The detection of specific DNA sequences and the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms are important for disease diagnosis. Herein, by combining the high specificity of the base-stacking effect with the high reproducibility of bovine serum albumin (BSA) modified electrodes and the high loading performance of DNA nanoclews (DNA NCs), a novel sandwich-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor is reported for the highly specific detection of HPV16 (chosen as the model target). The capture probes are loaded by BSA carrier platforms modified on the gold electrode surface to improve reproducibility. DNA NCs loaded with a large amount of Ru(phen)32+ worked as signal probes. The template probe is composed of the complementary strand of the target and two free nucleic acid anchors at the head and tail. In the presence of the target DNA, the template probes can form stacked base pairs with target, generating high base-stacking energy. This results in the shorter free anchors of template probes being able to bind to the capture and signal probes. This eventually forms a sandwich structure that allows Ru(phen)32+ to be near the electrode surface, producing an ECL signal. There is a linear relationship between the signal and the target concentration range from 10 fM to 100 pM, with a detection limit of 5.03 fM (S/N=3). Moreover, the base-stacking effect has single base recognition ability for base pairs, effectively avoiding false positive signals. The results of this strategy for clinical samples are consistent with classical methods.

Programmable electrochemical biosensing platform based on catalytic hairpin assembly and entropy-driven catalytic cascade amplification circuit

Herein, powerful DNA strand displacement reaction and sensitive electrochemical analysis method were ingeniously integrated to develop a programmable biosensing platform. Using DNA as the detection model, a cascade amplification system based on catalytic hairpin assembly and entropy-driven catalytic was constructed, and the reaction rate and signal amplification effect were significantly improved. The product of the cascade amplification circuit could undergo strand displacement reaction with the signal probe on the electrode surface to obtain sensitive electrochemical signal changes and realize highly sensitive detection of the target. In addition, without redesigning the DNA sequences in the cascade amplification circuit, the by-product strand typically wasted in traditional entropy-driven catalytic reactions can be fully utilized to construct a single-signal output biosensing system and even a dual-signal output ratiometric biosensing platform, improving the detection repeatability and reliability of the system, and expanding the application of DNA strand displacement reaction in electrochemical biosensing. Furthermore, benefiting from the design flexibility of the DNA molecules, the constructed biosensing platform realized the sensitive detection of aptamer substrate (kanamycin as an example) and certain metal ion (mercury as an example) by simply recoding the corresponding recognition sequence, demonstrating the good versatility of the biosensing platform.

Rapid, Sensitive, and Label-Free Detection of Long Noncoding RNAs in Breast Cancer Tissues by RecJf Exonuclease-Assisted Recombinase Polymerase Amplification

An abnormal expression level of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is implicated in multiple cancers, and their sensitive and rapid measurement is pivotal for early cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. The conventional lncRNA assays often suffer from labor-intensive/time-consuming procedures and limited sensitivity. Herein, we report a simple and sensitive fluorescent biosensor for rapid and label-free measurement of lncRNAs based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) without the involvement of thermal cycling and reverse transcription. Target lncRNAs can bind with the 5'-end of the DNA template to create a DNA-lncRNA hybrid, protecting the DNA template from RecJf exonuclease-mediated degradation. Subsequently, the primers hybridize with the intact DNA templates and are extended to generate the dsDNA products with the assistance of polymerase. The resultant dsDNA products may be amplified by exponential recombinase polymerase amplification to produce abundant dsDNAs, generating a distinct fluorescence signal within 10 min. This biosensor achieves a wide dynamic range from 10-17 to 10-9 M and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.23 aM. Moreover, it can distinguish the expressions of lncRNA HOTAIR in the tissues of healthy individuals and breast cancer patients, with broad application prospects in lncRNA-related research and early diagnosis of cancers.

Self-powered dual-mode sensing strategy based on graphdiyne and DNA nanoring for sensitive detection of tumor biomarker

MicroRNA-21 (miRNA-21) is currently the only known oncogenic miRNA that is upregulated in almost all malignant tumors and exhibits a broad spectrum of tumor recognition characteristics. It holds significant value in the early diagnosis, malignant degree assessment, and prognostic evaluation of tumors. In this study, a novel dual-mode self-powered sensing platform is developed using Au nanoparticles/graphdiyne as the electrode substrate and combined with DNA nanoring for highly sensitive and specific detection of miRNA-21. The DNA nanoring structure, which is easy to prepare and contains multiple recognition sites, induces significant electrochemical/colorimetric signal responses of the signaling molecule methylene blue. Under optimal conditions, the linear ranges of the electrochemical and colorimetric detection modes of this self-powered sensor are 0.1 fM-100 pM and 0.1 fM-10 nM, respectively, with the detection limits of 35.1 aM and 61.6 aM (S/N=3). This strategy provides a new reference for the sensitive detection of microRNA and has immense potential for application in the screening and detection of clinical nucleic acid diseases.

Recent advancements in biosensor designs toward the detection of intestine cancer miRNA biomarkers

Cancer diagnosis and treatment have been of broad interest among scientists in the last decades due to the high death rate, widespread occurrence, and recurrence after treatment. The survival rate of cancer patients depends greatly on early detection and appropriate treatments. Therefore developing new technologies applicable to sensitive and specific methods of cancer detection is an inevitable task for cancer researchers. Abnormal miRNA expression is contributed to severe diseases such as cancers and since their expression level and type differ strictly during carcinogenesis and later metastasis and treatments, the improved detection accuracy of these miRNAs would undoubtedly lead to early diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. Biosensors are accurate and straightforward analytical devices that have had practical applications especially in the last decade. Their domain is still growing through a combination of attractive nanomaterials and amplification methods, leading to innovative biosensing platforms for the efficient detection of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this review, we will provide the recent developments in biosensors to detect intestine cancer miRNA biomarkers and also discuss the challenges and outcomings of this field.

In situ reduction of gold nanoparticles-decorated MXenes-based electrochemical sensing platform for KRAS gene detection

In this work, gold nanoparticles@Ti3C2 MXenes nanocomposites with excellent properties were combined with toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement reaction to construct an electrochemical circulating tumor DNA biosensor. The gold nanoparticles were synthesized in situ on the surface of Ti3C2 MXenes as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The good electrical conductivity of the gold nanoparticles@Ti3C2 MXenes composite and the nucleic acid amplification strategy of enzyme-free toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement reaction can be used to efficiently and specifically detect the non-small cell cancer biomarker circulating tumor DNA KRAS gene. The biosensor has a linear detection range of 10 fM −10 nM and a detection limit of 0.38 fM, and also efficiently distinguishes single base mismatched DNA sequences. The biosensor has been successfully used for the sensitive detection of KRAS gene G12D, which has excellent potential for clinical analysis and provides a new idea for the preparation of novel MXenes-based two-dimensional composites and their application in electrochemical DNA biosensors.

An overview of biochemical technologies for the cancer biomarker miR-21 detection

In recent years, the incidence of cancer has continuously increased, in which various miRNAs have been proposed as biomarkers for the early screening of cancer patients. As a consequence, the development of accurate methods for miRNA quantification has become a major research challenge worldwide. As one of the first discovered oncogenic miRNAs, microRNA-21 (miR-21) has been highlighted for its critical role in cancers. This review describes the main techniques currently available for miR-21 detection, compares the differences of the methods and the amplification strategies, and provides an overview of the state of knowledge in the field.

Chemiluminescence Sensor for miRNA-21 Detection Based on CRISPR-Cas12a and Cation Exchange Reaction

Herein, a chemiluminescence (CL) biosensor based on CRISPR-Cas12a and cation exchange reaction was constructed to detect the biomarker microRNA-21 (miRNA-21). The rolling circle amplification (RCA) reaction was introduced to convert each target RNA strand into a long single-stranded DNA with repeated sequences, which acted as triggers to initiate the transcleavage activity of CRISPR-Cas12a. The activated Cas12a could cleave the biotinylated linker DNA of CuS nanoparticles (NPs) to inhibit the binding of CuS NPs to streptavidin immobilized on the surface of the microplate, which strongly reduced the generation of Cu²⁺ from a cation exchange between CuS NPs and AgNO₃, and thus efficiently suppressed the CL of Cu²⁺-luminol-H₂O₂ system, giving a "signal off" biosensor. With the multiple amplification, the detection limit of the developed sensor for miRNA-21 reached 16 aM. In addition, this biosensor is not only suitable for a professional chemiluminescence instrument but also for a smartphone used as a detection tool for the purpose of portable and low-cost assay. This method could be used to specifically detect quite a low level of miRNA-21 in human serum samples and various cancer cells, indicating its potential in ultrasensitive molecular diagnostics.

Diagnostic kit based on halloysite nanoclay-ionic liquid nanocomposite modified electrode for electrochemical determination of cancer biomarker

Nucleic acid hybridization is occurred between the selective single-stranded nucleic acid sequence and its target sequence, which is one of the essential procedure for electrochemical detection of nucleic acid. microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) is known as a biomarker in various cancers. The determination of miRNA-21 was attained through by hybridization of inosine substituted miRNA-21 specific DNA probe (P_inosine) with its target miRNA-21. In this study, the surface of pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was firstly modified with halloysite nanoclay-ionic liquid (HNT/IL) nanocomposite. The characterization of surface was performed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) analysis, and the differences at surface modifications were also shown by electrochemical methods with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). For sensitive and selective determination of miRNA-21, P_inosine and target miRNA concentration, immobilization and hybridization time were optimized by using HNT/IL modified PGE in combination with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The detection limit was achieved as 0.17 μg/mL (equals to 23.69 nM) in the linear range of 0.25-2 μg/mL miRNA-21. The selectivity of voltammetric method based on HNT/IL-PGE developed for miRNA-21 was examined in the presence of mismatch (MM) and non-complementary (NC) sequences. Because miRNA-21 is over-expressed in cancer cells, it has been tested in total RNA samples isolated from cancer cell line (breast cancer cell line, MCF-7). In the total RNA samples obtained from MCF-7, the detection limit was calculated as 0.28 μg/mL in the linear range of 1-4 μg/mL. Besides, the healthy cell line (human embryonic kidney cell line, HEK-293) was used as a control group and the results obtained by MCF-7 total RNA samples were compared to the results using HEK-293 total RNA samples in terms of miRNA-21 level.

Target-Catalyzed Self-Assembly of DNA-Streptavidin Nanogel for Enzyme-Free miRNA Assay

Rapid, sensitive, specific, and user-friendly microRNA (miRNA) assays are in high demand for point-of-care diagnosis. Target-catalyzed toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) has received increasing attention as an enzyme-free molecular tool for DNA detection. However, the application of TMSD to miRNA targets is challenging because relatively weak DNA/RNA hybridization leads to failure in the subtle kinetic control of multiple hybridization steps. Here, a simple method is presented for miRNA assay based on the one-pot self-assembly of Y-shaped DNAs with streptavidin via an miRNA-catalyzed TMSD cascade reaction. A single miRNA catalyzes the opening cycle of DNA hairpin loops to generate multiple Y-shaped DNAs carrying biotin and a quencher at the end of their arms. Introducing a single base-pair mismatch near the toehold facilitates RNA-triggered strand displacement while barely disturbing nonspecific reactions. The Y-shaped DNAs are self-assembled with fluorescently labeled streptavidin (sAv), which produces nanoscale DNA-sAv nanogel particles mediating efficient Förster resonance energy transfer in their 3D network. The enhancing effect dramatically reduces the detection limit from the nanomolar level to the picomolar level. This work proves that TMSD-based DNA nanogel with a base-pair mismatch incorporated to a hairpin structure is a promising approach towards sensitive and accurate miRNA assay.

Versatile Electrochemiluminescence Biosensing Platform Based on DNA Nanostructures and Catalytic Hairpin Assembly Signal Amplification

Achieving rapid and highly sensitive detection of biomarkers is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment. Here, a highly sensitive and versatile dual-amplification electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing platform was constructed for target detection based on DNA nanostructures and catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA). Specifically, when the target DNA was present, it would hybridize with the auxiliary strands (D1 and D2) to form an I-shaped nanostructure, which in turn triggered the subsequent catalytic hairpin assembly reaction to generate plenty of double-stranded DNA complexes (H1-H2). The resulting double-stranded complex could be trapped on the electrode surface and adsorbed the ECL signal probe Ru(phen)₃²⁺.We found that the I-shaped nanostructure-triggered CHA reaction had higher amplification efficiency compared with traditional CHA amplification. Thus, a sensitive "signal-on" ECL biosensor was constructed for target DNA detection with a detection limit of 1.09 fM. Additionally, by combining the binding properties of C-Ag⁺-C with an elaborately designed "Ag⁺-helper" probe, the proposed strategy could be immediately utilized for the highly sensitive and selective detection of silver ions, demonstrating the versatility of the developed biosensing platform. This strategy provided a new approach with potential applications in disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring.

Nucleic acid isothermal amplification-based soft nanoarchitectonics as an emerging electrochemical biosensing platform

The emergence of nucleic acid isothermal amplification strategies based on soft nanoarchitectonics offers a new dimension to the traditional electrochemical technique, particularly because of its flexibility, high efficiency, and increased sensitivity for analytical applications. Various DNA/RNA isothermal amplification strategies have been developed for the design and fabrication of new electrochemical biosensors for efficient and important biomolecular detection. Herein, we provide an overview of recent efforts in this research field and the strategies for signal-amplified sensing systems, with their biological applications, current challenges and prospects in this promising new area.

Electrochemical Signal Amplification Strategies and Their Use in Olfactory and Taste Evaluation

Biosensors are powerful analytical tools used to identify and detect target molecules. Electrochemical biosensors, which combine biosensing with electrochemical analysis techniques, are efficient analytical instruments that translate concentration signals into electrical signals, enabling the quantitative and qualitative analysis of target molecules. Electrochemical biosensors have been widely used in various fields of detection and analysis due to their high sensitivity, superior selectivity, quick reaction time, and inexpensive cost. However, the signal changes caused by interactions between a biological probe and a target molecule are very weak and difficult to capture directly by using detection instruments. Therefore, various signal amplification strategies have been proposed and developed to increase the accuracy and sensitivity of detection systems. This review serves as a reference for biosensor and detector research, as it introduces the research progress of electrochemical signal amplification strategies in olfactory and taste evaluation. It also discusses the latest signal amplification strategies currently being employed in electrochemical biosensors for nanomaterial development, enzyme labeling, and nucleic acid amplification techniques, and highlights the most recent work in using cell tissues as biosensitive elements.

Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology for Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has impacted a heavy burden on global healthcare system with a high morbidity and mortality in both hospitalized and critically ill patients. However, there are still some shortcomings in clinical approaches for the disease to date, appealing for an earlier recognition and specific intervention to improve long-term outcomes. In the past decades, owing to the predictable base-pairing rule and highly modifiable characteristics, nucleic acids have already become significant biomaterials for nanostructure and nanodevice fabrication, which is known as nucleic acid nanotechnology. In particular, its excellent programmability and biocompatibility have further promoted its intersection with medical challenges. Lately, there have been an influx of research connecting nucleic acid nanotechnology with the clinical needs for renal diseases, especially AKI. In this review, we begin with the diagnostics of AKI based on nucleic acid nanotechnology with a highlight on aptamer- and probe-functionalized detection. Then, recently developed nanoscale nucleic acid therapeutics towards AKI will be fully elucidated. Furthermore, the strengths and limitations will be summarized, envisioning a wiser and wider application of nucleic acid nanotechnology in the future of AKI.

Toehold-mediated strand displacement coupled with single nanoparticle dark-field microscopy imaging for ultrasensitive biosensing

Highly sensitive detection of biomarkers is essential for disease prevention and early diagnosis. Herein, a highly sensitive strategy was proposed for microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) detection by the incorporation of programmable toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) and dark-field microscopy imaging. Firstly, efficient and specific TSMD was carried out via hybridization between the substrate strand (Sub) and two short probe strands (P1, P2). Then, miRNA-21 could specifically hybridize with Sub due to the toehold that existed on its tail, which triggered the amplification with the help of the assist strands, and forming a large number of Sub-assist double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). This process realized the targeted highly specific recognition of miRNA-21 and the amplification of the trace target to high-output dsDNA. Additionally, as glucose oxidase (Gox) was modified on the end of the assist strands in advance, hydrogen peroxide was generated after adding glucose to the system, which further etched gold-silver core-shell nanocubes (Au@Ag NCs). As a result, the size of Au@Ag NCs decreased and the scattering intensity reduced simultaneously. The scattering intensity reduction value of Au@Ag NCs has a linear relationship with miRNA-21 concentration in the range of 1.0 to 100.0 fM with a limit of detection of 1.0 fM. Finally, the proposed method has been successfully demonstrated for the determination of miRNA-21 in lung cancer cell A549 lysate.

Isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology for rapid detection of virus

While the research field and industrial market of in vitro diagnosis (IVD) thrived during and post the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of isothermal nucleic acid amplification test (INAAT) based rapid diagnosis was engendered in a global wised large measure as a problem-solving exercise. This review systematically analyzed the recent advances of INAAT strategies with practical case for the real-world scenario virus detection applications. With the qualities that make INAAT systems useful for making diagnosis relevant decisions, the key performance indicators and the cost-effectiveness of enzyme-assisted methods and enzyme-free methods were compared. The modularity of nucleic acid amplification reactions that can lead to thresholding signal amplifications using INAAT reagents and their methodology design were examined, alongside the potential application with rapid test platform/device integration. Given that clinical practitioners are, by and large, unaware of many the isothermal nucleic acid test advances. This review could bridge the arcane research field of different INAAT systems and signal output modalities with end-users in clinic when choosing suitable test kits and/or methods for rapid virus detection.

Noninvasive Prognosis of Postmyocardial Infarction Using Urinary miRNA Ultratrace Detection Based on Single-Target DNA-Functionalized AuNPs

Urine is the most appropriate body fluid for analysis because it is easily and less-invasively obtained than blood; thus, urinary miRNAs can better represent the local stage of the disease and might grow up to be a new class of noninvasive biomarkers of postmyocardial infarction (MI). Monofunctionalized Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with only one selective DNA at a specific location are more promising in nanotechnology. This study developed a urinary miRNA ultratrace detection strategy based on single-target DNA-functionalized AuNPs for the noninvasive prognosis of post-MI. The AuNPs were designed with only single-stranded biotinylated DNA complementary to the target miRNA through a ratio-optimized stoichiometric method for the first time. Combined with the duplex specific nuclease-assisted target recycling amplification, the single-target DNA-functionalized AuNPs for the first time were used in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for the determination of urinary miRNA with high sensitivity. After optimizing the reaction conditions, a linear detection range between 1 fM and 10 pM for miR-155 and a detection limit of 0.47 fM were obtained. Finally, the target miR-155 in urine samples collected from MI rats was quantified and the level of miR-155 in MI groups was 30 times higher than in the control groups. The results suggest that urinary miR-155 could be a novel biomarker for the noninvasive diagnosis of MI.

DNA tile self-assembly driven by antibody-mediated four-way branch migration

The antibody-mediated four-way branch migration mechanism provides a novel idea for realizing the assembly of nanostructures, simply by attaching structures such as tiles, proteins, quantum dots, etc. to the ends of the four-way branches.

Carbon nanodot-based electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensor for miRNA-21 detection

A simple carbon nanodot–based electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensor is described for sensitive and selective detection of microRNA-21 (miRNA-21), a biomarker of several pathologies including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The photoluminescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) were obtained using a new synthesis method, simply by treating tiger nut milk in a microwave reactor. The synthesis is environmentally friendly, simple, and efficient. The optical properties and morphological characteristics of the CNDs were exhaustively investigated, confirming that they have oxygen and nitrogen functional groups on their surfaces and exhibit excitation-dependent fluorescence emission, as well as photostability. They act as co-reactant agents in the anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, producing different signals for the probe (single-stranded DNA) and the hybridized target (double-stranded DNA). These results paved the way for the development of a sensitive ECL biosensor for the detection of miRNA-21. This was developed by immobilization of a thiolated oligonucleotide, fully complementary to the miRNA-21 sequence, on the disposable gold electrode. The target miRNA-21 was hybridized with the probe on the electrode surface, and the hybridization was detected by the enhancement of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺/DNA ECL signal using CNDs. The biosensor shows a linear response to miRNA-21 concentration up to 100.0 pM with a detection limit of 0.721 fM. The method does not require complex labeling steps, and has a rapid response. It was successfully used to detect miRNA-21 directly in serum samples from heart failure patients without previous RNA extraction neither amplification process.

Determination of miRNA derived from exosomes of prostate cancer via toehold-aided cyclic amplification combined with HRP enzyme catalysis and magnetic nanoparticles

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in tumorigenesis and tumor development. Exosomal microRNA-141 (miRNA-141, miR-141) has been reported to be overexpressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and has become a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of PCa. Herein, a novel fluorescent biosensor based on toehold-aided cyclic amplification combined with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme catalysis and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was designed for determination of the exosomes-derived microRNA-141 (miRNA-141, miR-141). The synergy of HRP enzyme catalysis and toehold mediated strand display reaction (TSDR) increase the sensitivity of the method, and the good separation ability of MNPs ensures the specificity of the method. Therefore, under the optimized experimental conditions, the highly sensitive and specific detection of miRNA-141 can be realized, and the detection limit is as low as 10 fM. More importantly, the biosensor successfully determinates the exosomal miR-141 in the plasma of patients with PCa.

Label-free immunosensor for cardiac troponin I detection based on aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescence of a distyrylarylene derivative

Herein, the aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescence (AIECL) of a distyrylarylene derivative, 4,4'-bis(2,2-diphenylvinyl)-1,1'-biphenyl (DPVBi), was investigated for the first time. This luminophore exhibits significantly enhanced photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emission with the increases of water content in organic/water mixtures. This high luminescence efficiency of DPVBi in aggregate state is due to the fact that the aggregates can reduce the energy loss by restricting the intramolecular motions. The ECL behavior of DPVBi in acetonitrile was investigated by ECL transients and so-called "half-scan" technology, where singlet-singlet annihilation ECL was generated under continuous potential switching. The DPVBi nanobulks (DPVBi NBs) were prepared to improve its application in aqueous media, which could be conveniently cast on electrode surface for developing sensing platform due to its good film-forming nature. The constructed heterogeneous AIECL platform can produce reductive-oxidative and oxidative-reductive ECL by using trimethylamine (TEA) and potassium peroxodisulfate (K₂S₂O₈) as coreactant. On the basis of the higher ECL efficiency of DPVBi NBs/TEA system, a label free immunosensor for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was developed with the assistance of electrodeposited gold nanoparticles, and it showed a wide linear range of 20 ng/mL~100 fg/mL and low detection limit of 43 fg/mL. Moreover, the constructed immunosensor also exhibited good specificity, stability and satisfied performance in practical sample analysis.

Recent advances of functional nucleic acids-based electrochemiluminescent sensing

Electroluminescence (ECL) has been used in extensive applications ranging from bioanalysis to clinical diagnosis owing to its simple device requirement, low background, high sensitivity, and wide dynamic range. Nucleic acid is a significant theme in ECL bioanalysis. The inherent versatile selective molecular recognition of nucleic acids and their programmable self-assembly make it desirable for the robust construction of nanostructures. Benefiting from their unique structures and physiochemical properties, ECL biosensing based on nucleic acids has experienced rapid growth. This review focuses on recent applications of nucleic acids in ECL sensing systems, particularly concerning the employment of nucleic acids as molecular recognition elements, signal amplification units, and sensing interface schemes. In the end, an outlook of nucleic acid-based ECL biosensing will be provided for future developments and directions. We envision that nucleic acids, which act as an essential component for both bioanalysis and clinical diagnosis, will provide a new thinking model and driving force for developing next-generation sensing systems.

Short DNA-catalyzed formation of quantum dot-DNA hydrogel for enzyme-free femtomolar specific DNA assay

Fast, sensitive, specific, and user-friendly DNA assay is a key technique for the next generation point-of-care molecular diagnosis. However, high-cost, time-consuming, and complicated enzyme-based DNA amplification step is essential to achieve high sensitivity. Herein, a short target DNA-catalyzed formation of quantum dot (QD)-DNA hydrogel is proposed as a new DNA assay platform satisfying the above requirements. A single-stranded target DNA catalyzes the opening cycle of DNA hairpin loops, which are quickly self-assembled with DNA-functionalized QDs to generate QD-DNA hydrogel. The three-dimensional hydrogel network allows efficient resonance energy transfer, dramatically lowering the limit of detection down to ~6 fM without enzymatic DNA amplification. The QD-DNA hydrogel also enables a rapid detection (1 h) with high specificity even for a single-base mismatch. The clinical applicability of the QD-DNA hydrogel is demonstrated for the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase gene, one of the key targets of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Liposome-assisted enzyme catalysis: toward signal amplification for sensitive split-type electrochemiluminescence immunoassay

Developing an efficient signal amplification strategy is very important to improve the sensitivity of bioanalysis. In this paper, a liposome-assisted enzyme catalysis signal amplification strategy was developed for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a split-type mode. The sandwich immunoreaction occurred in a 96-well plate, and glucose oxidase (GOx) encapsulated and antibody-modified liposomes were used as labels. The ECL detection was carried out using a rGO-Au NP modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The large amount of generated H2O2, i.e. the coreactant of the luminol system, and the excellent catalytic behavior of rGO-Au NPs greatly boosted the ECL signal, resulting in the signal amplification. The developed ECL immunosensor for detecting PSA achieved a wider linear range from 1.0 × 10-13 to 1.0 × 10-8 g mL-1 and a detection limit of 1.7 × 10-14 g mL-1. The application of the proposed strategy was demonstrated by analyzing PSA in human serum samples with recoveries from 89.0% to 113.0%, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 6.6%. This work provides a new horizon to expand the application of liposomes for ECL bioanalysis.

Simultaneous Enzyme-Free Detection of Multiple Long Noncoding RNAs in Cancer Cells at Single-Molecule/Particle Level

Aberrant change in long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is associated with various diseases and cancers. So far, simultaneous detection of lncRNAs has remained a great challenge due to their large size and extensive secondary structure. Herein, we develop an enzyme-free single-molecule/particle detection method for simultaneous detection of multiple lncRNAs in cancer cells based on target-catalyzed strand displacement. We designed the magnetic bead-capture probe-multiple Cy5/Cy3-modified reporter unit complexes to isolate and identify lncRNA MALAT1 and lncRNA HOTAIR. The target-catalyzed strand displacement reactions lead to the release of Cy5 and Cy3 fluorescent molecules from the complexes, which can be subsequently quantified by single-molecule/particle detection. The dual-targetability, good selectivity and high sensitivity of this method enables simultaneous detection of multiple lncRNAs in even single cancer cell. Importantly, this method can discriminate cancer cells from normal cells and has significant advantages in the simple sequence design and in being free of enzymes, holding great potential in living cell imaging and early clinical diagnosis.

A sensitive electrochemiluminescence DNA biosensor based on the signal amplification of ExoIII enzyme-assisted hybridization chain reaction combined with nanoparticle-loaded multiple probes

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) DNA biosensor based on ExoIII exonuclease assistance and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification technology has been constructed. ExoIII exonuclease and triple-helix DNA molecular switch are used in detecting a target in circulation. By combining HCR with AuNPs@DNA, a novel signal probe is built, which enables multiple signal amplification and the high-sensitive detection of transgenic rice BT63 DNA. The Fe₃O₄@Au solution is added to a magneto-controlled glassy carbon electrode, and sulfhydryl-modified capture DNA (CP) is immobilized on Fe₃O₄@Au through the Au-S bond. Mercaptoethanol is added to close sites and prevent the nonspecific adsorption of CP on the magnetron glassy carbon electrode. A target DNA is added to a constructed triple-helix DNA molecular centrifuge tube for reaction. Owing to base complementation and the reversible switching of the triple-helix DNA molecular state, the target DNA turns on the triple-helix DNA molecular switch and hybridizes with a long-strand recognition probe (RP) to form a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Exonuclease ExoIII is added to specifically recognize and cut the dsDNA and to release the target DNA. The target DNA strand then circulates back completely to open the multiple triple-helix DNA molecular switch, releasing a large number of signal transduction probes (STP). To hybridize with CP, a large amount of STP is added to the electrode. Finally, a AuNPs@DNA signal probe is added to hybridize with STP. H1 and H2 probes are added for the hybridization chain reaction and the indefinite extension of the primer strand on the probe. Then, tris-(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) is added for ECL signal detection with PBS-tri-n-propylamine as the base solution. In the concentration range 1.0 × 10^-16 to 1.0 × 10^-8 mol/L of the target DNA, good linear relationship was achieved with the corresponding ECL signal. The detection limit is 3.6 × 10^-17 mol/L. The spiked recovery of the rice samples range from 97.2 to 101.5%. The sensor is highly sensitive and has good selectivity, stability, and reproducibility. A novel electrochemiluminescence biosensor with extremely higher sensitivity was prepared for the determination of ultra-trace amount transgenic rice BT63 DNA. The sensitivity was significantly improved by multiple signal enhancements. Firstly, a large number of signal transduction probes are released when the triple-helix DNA molecular switch unlock after recycles assisted by ExoIII exonuclease under target BT63 DNA; and then the signal transduction probes hybridize with the signal probes of AuNPs@(DNA-HCR) produced through hybridization chain reaction. Finally, the signal probes which were embedded with a large amount of electrochemiluminescence reagent produce high luminescence intensity. The detection limit was 3.6 × 10^-17 mol/L, which is almost the most sensitive methods reported.

An amplifying DNA circuit coupled with Mg2+-dependent DNAzyme for bisphenol A detection in milk samples

As bisphenol A (BPA) is harmful to human health, it is of great significance to develop a new method for BPA detection. Herein, we designed a BPA biosensor by integrating an amplifying DNA circuit with Mg²⁺-dependent DNAzyme into the sensing system. The BPA-aptamer binding activated a DNA circuit for signal amplification based on toehold-mediated strand displacement. A catalytic Mg²⁺-dependent DNAzyme was formed through synergistically DNA hybridization, which can cleave the dual-labeled substrate DNA into two segments. The separation of the fluorophore and quencher produces a high fluorescence response for BPA detection. This biosensor exhibited a superior sensitivity with a detection limit of 50 fM. The method is selective and robust, which can work even in milk samples with satisfactory accuracy. The biosensor analytical results were also verified by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and no obvious difference existed between the two methods.

Recent advances in rolling circle amplification-based biosensing strategies-A review

Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is an efficient enzymatic isothermal reaction that using circular probe as a template to generate long tandem single-stranded DNA or RNA products under the initiation of short DNA or RNA primers. As a simplified derivative of natural rolling circle replication which synthesizes copies of circular nucleic acids molecules such as plasmids, RCA amplifies the circular template rapidly without thermal cycling and finds various applications in molecular biology. Compared with other amplification strategies, RCA has many obvious advantages. Firstly, because of the strict complementarity required in ligation of a padlock probe, it endows the RCA reaction with high specificity and can even be utilized to distinguish single base mismatches. Secondly, through the introduction of multiple primers, exponential amplification can be achieved easily and leads to a good sensitivity. Thirdly, RCA products can be customized by manipulating circular templates to generate functional nucleic acids such as aptamer, DNAzymes and restriction enzyme sites. Moreover, the RCA has good biocompatibility and is especially suitable for in situ detection. Therefore, RCA has attracted considerable attention as an efficient and potential tool for highly sensitive detection of biomarkers. Herein, we comprehensively introduce the fundamental principles of RCA technology, summarize it from three aspects including initiation mode, amplification mode and signal output mode, and discuss the recent application of RCA-based biosensor in this review.

Nucleic Acids Analysis

Nucleic acids are natural biopolymers of nucleotides that store, encode, transmit and express genetic information, which play central roles in diverse cellular events and diseases in living things. The analysis of nucleic acids and nucleic acids-based analysis have been widely applied in biological studies, clinical diagnosis, environmental analysis, food safety and forensic analysis. During the past decades, the field of nucleic acids analysis has been rapidly advancing with many technological breakthroughs. In this review, we focus on the methods developed for analyzing nucleic acids, nucleic acids-based analysis, device for nucleic acids analysis, and applications of nucleic acids analysis. The representative strategies for the development of new nucleic acids analysis in this field are summarized, and key advantages and possible limitations are discussed. Finally, a brief perspective on existing challenges and further research development is provided.

Simple Tripedal DNA Walker Prepared by Target-Triggered Catalytic Hairpin Assembly for Ultrasensitive Electrochemiluminescence Detection of MicroRNA

In contrast to common DNA walkers, multipedal DNA walkers exhibit larger walking area and faster walking kinetics and provide increased amplification efficiency. Consequently, they have received a considerable amount of attention in biosensing. However, most of them are synthesized by immobilizing multiple DNA walking strands on the surface of Au nanoparticles, which is tedious and time-consuming. Simple preparation of multipedal DNA walkers remains a challenge. Herein, we adopted a simple enzyme-free target-triggered catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) circuit to synthesize a tripedal DNA walker. By walking on a DNA track-functionalized electrode, a sensitive electrochemiluminescence DNA nanomachine biosensor was constructed for sensing miRNA-21. The DNA walker was powered by toehold-mediated strand displacement; the whole process did not need the assistance of enzymes, thus avoiding tedious procedures and enzyme degradation under unfavorable environmental conditions. Specifically, a superior detection limit of 4 aM and a broad linear range of 10 aM to 1 pM were achieved. This CHA-tripedal DNA walker biosensor was then applied for the detection of miRNA-21 in human serum and showed high selectivity and excellent reproducibility, demonstrating its practical application in bioanalysis. In particular, the Y-shaped tripedal DNA walker comes from the DNA circuit, which makes the approach ideally suited for biosensing of small nucleic acid targets.

An electrochemical aptasensor based on cocoon-like DNA nanostructure signal amplification for the detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7

We developed an electrochemical aptasensor based on cocoon-like DNA nanostructures as signal tags for highly sensitive and selective detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7. The stable cocoon-like DNA nanostructures synthesized by the rolling circle amplification reaction were loaded with hemin as electrochemical signal tags to amplify the signals. The single-stranded DNA capture probes were modified on the surface of a Au electrode via a Au-S bond. The E. coli O157:H7 specific aptamer and capture probe formed double-stranded DNA structures on the Au electrode. The aptamer preferentially bound to E. coli O157:H7, causing the dissociation of some aptamer-capture probes and releasing some capture probes. Subsequently, the free capture probes hybridized with the DNA nanostructures through the cDNA sequence. Under optimal conditions, the change in the electrochemical signal was proportional to the logarithm of E. coli O157:H7 concentration, from 10 to 106 CFU mL-1, and the detection limit was estimated to be 10 CFU mL-1. The electrochemical aptasensor could be readily used to detect various pathogenic bacteria and to provide a new method of early diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms.

DSN/TdT recycling digestion based cyclic amplification strategy for microRNA assay

Sensitive and specific detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) is of great significance for early cancer diagnosis. Here we report a simple and sensitive fluorescence signal amplification strategy that based on DSN/TdT recycling digestion for miRNA detection. DSN initiates DNA digestion on 3'-phosphate-primer/miRNA heteroduplex which causes miRNA recycle. The digested DNA strands with 3'-OH ends enable TdT to synthesize a polydeoxyguanylic tails on the 3'-end. The DNAs with polydeoxyguanylic tails are converted to double-stranded-DNA prior to initiation of DSN/TdT recycling digestion. With the cooperation of TdT and DSN, a new round of digestion and extension is triggered, leading to massive fluorophores separating and signal amplification. The amplification strategy produces large amounts of 3'-OH probes that can be used directly for dsDNA enrichment and DSN digestion. Moreover, both DSN digestion and TdT extension are sequence-independent reaction without the need of complex sequences design. In addition, this strategy is utilized to analyze miRNA samples from MCF-7 cell lysates and Cu (II) ion samples, indicating its potential application in actual sample analysis. The method shows a promising analytical platform for DNA nicking-related studies and tumor biomarkers measuring in clinical diagnostics.

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.

Target-Catalyzed Assembly of Pyrene-Labeled Hairpins for Exponentially Amplified Biosensing

Rapid and sensitive detection of nucleic acids is vital for disease diagnosis. This work designed an enzyme-free isothermal strategy for rapid exponential signal amplification through target-triggered catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) to induce the spatially sensitive fluorescent signal of the pyrene excimer. Functionally, this system consisted of three pyrene labelled hairpins (H1, H2, and H3) and one catalyst DNA C. In the presence of C, the CHA was activated to generate intermediate I, which contained a single-stranded region identical to the C sequence for initiating the second cycle of CHA to obtain 2I and thus achieved the exponential formation of I along with the switching of pyrene excimer. The fluorescent signal of the pyrene excimer could be further enhanced via the inclusion of γ-cyclodextrin and showed a linear increase upon increasing logarithm of C concentration. Through the introduction of a helping hairpin H4-containing C sequence and a region specific to the target, this strategy could be extended to realize the quick and sensitive detection of different analytes. Using dengue virus RNA as an analyte model, the proposed fluorescent method showed a linear range from 0.1 to 50 nM with a limit of detection of 0.048 nM at 3σ and good selectivity. The excellent performance and convenient operation demonstrated its promising application in clinical disease diagnosis.

A molecular device: A DNA molecular lock driven by the nicking enzymes

As people are placing more and more importance on information security, how to realize the protection of information has become a hotspot of current research. As a security device, DNA molecular locks have great potential to realize information protection at the molecular level. However, building a highly secure molecular lock is still a serious challenge. Therefore, taking advantage of the DNA strand displacement and enzyme control technology, we constructed a molecular lock with a self-destructive mechanism. This molecular lock is mainly composed of logic circuits and takes nicking enzymes as inputs. To build this molecular lock, we first constructed a series of cascade circuits, including a YES–YES cascade circuit and a YES–AND cascade circuit. Then, an Inhibit logic gate was constructed to explore the inhibitory properties between different combinations of two nicking enzymes. Finally, using the characteristics of mutual inhibition between several enzymes, a DNA molecular lock driven by three nicking enzymes was constructed. In this molecular device, only the correct sequence of nicking enzymes can be input to ensure the normal operation of the molecular lock. Once the wrong password is entered, the device will be destroyed and cannot be recovered, which effectively prevents intruders from cracking the lock through exhaustive methods. The molecular lock has the function of simulating an electronic keyboard, which can realize the protection of information at the molecular level, and provides a new implementation method for building more advanced and complex molecular devices.

A Highly Sensitive Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor for Pyrophosphatase Detection Based on Click Chemistry-Triggered Hybridization Chain Reaction in Homogeneous Solution

The abnormal expression of pyrophosphatase (PPase) is closely related to many diseases and malignant tumors, so the detection for PPase is of great significance in clinical diagnosis, disease monitoring, and other biomedical aspects. In this study, a sensitive and specific electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor combined highly specific Cu⁺-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) with high efficiency of hybridization chain reaction (HCR) for the purpose of detecting pyrophosphatase has been designed. Highly efficient hybridization chain reaction amplification processed in homogeneous solution and the amplification products were connected to the electrode surface in one step, which solved the problem of low DNA amplification efficiency on the electrode surface because of the steric hindrance. Ru(phen)₃²⁺ was embedded into the dsDNA and functioned as ECL probes; the enhanced ECL intensity of the system had a linear relationship with the logarithm of PPase concentration in the range of 0.025-50 mU with a detection limit of 8 μU. The method was proved to be of good specificity, repeatability, and stability that could be used for screening and quantitatively determining pyrophosphatase inhibitor sodium fluoride. The practicability of this method in clinical application has been proved through the detection of serum from the clinical arthritis patients. Moreover, the method can be used to monitor PPase activity of arthritis patients before and after administration to provide reference for the effect of drug treatment.

A highly sensitive signal-on biosensor for microRNA 142-3p based on the quenching of Ru(bpy)32+–TPA electrochemiluminescence by carbon dots and duplex specific nuclease-assisted target recycling amplification

CDs have been used to quench the ECL of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺–TPA for the first time and a sensitive biosensor was developed.