Ratiometric Electrochemical Detection of MicroRNA Based on Construction of A Hierarchical C@SnS2 Nanoflower Sensing Interface

Large gold nanoparticle release assay for attomolar detection of miRNA related to myelodysplastic neoplasms

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) hold potential as biomarkers for numerous cancer types, including myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS). Here, we present a highly sensitive assay based on the oligonucleotide-triggered release of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of hsa-miR-451a with a surface plasmon resonance biosensor. The performance of the assay is in large part determined by the size and functional coating of AuNPs. Therefore, we investigate AuNPs in a size range from 43 to 170 nm, functionalized with thiol- or biotin-terminated oligonucleotides (AuNPsSdT or AuNPsBdT). Our study reveals that 103 nm AuNPsSdT are the best option to improve the assay performance due to their high colloidal stability, a release efficiency exceeding 90%, and a sensor response enhancement factor exceeding 105. We demonstrate that in conjunction with 103 nm AuNPsSdT, the AuNP release assay can detect hsa-miR-451a at levels down to 40 aM and quantify hsa-miR-451a physiological levels in human blood plasma. Moreover, we use the assay to demonstrate a significant down-regulation of hsa-miR-451a in blood plasma of MDS patients compared to healthy individuals, suggesting the potential relevance of hsa-miR-451a as a prospective MDS biomarker.

Combining plasmonic and electrochemical biosensing methods

The idea of combining electrochemical (EC) and plasmonic biosensor methods was introduced almost thirty years ago and the potential of electrochemical-plasmonic (EC-P) biosensors has been highlighted ever since. Despite that, the use of EC-P biosensors in analytics has been rather limited so far and the search for unique applications of the EC-P method continues. In this paper, we review the advances in the field of EC-P biosensors and discuss the features and benefits they can provide. In addition, we identify the main challenges for the development of EC-P biosensors and the limitations that prevent EC-P biosensors from more widespread use. Finally, we review applications of EC-P biosensors for the investigation and quantification of biomolecules, and for the study of biomolecular and cellular processes.

Synthesis and Applications of Dimensional SnS2 and SnS2/Carbon Nanomaterials

Dimensional nanomaterials can offer enhanced application properties benefiting from their sizes and morphological orientations. Tin disulfide (SnS₂) and carbon are typical sources of dimensional nanomaterials. SnS₂ is a semiconductor with visible light adsorption properties and has shown high energy density and long cycle life in energy storage processes. The integration of SnS₂ and carbon materials has shown enhanced visible light absorption and electron transmission efficiency. This helps to alleviate the volume expansion of SnS₂ which is a limitation during energy storage processes and provides a favorable bandgap in photocatalytic degradation. Several innovative approaches have been geared toward controlling the size, shape, and hybridization of SnS₂/Carbon composite nanostructures. However, dimensional nanomaterials of SnS₂ and SnS₂/Carbon have rarely been discussed. This review summarizes the synthesis methods of zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional SnS₂ and SnS₂/Carbon composite nanomaterials through wet and solid-state synthesis strategies. Moreover, the unique properties that promote their advances in photocatalysis and energy conversion and storage are discussed. Finally, some remarks and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for exploring advanced SnS₂/Carbon nanomaterials are presented.

DNA walking system integrated with enzymatic cleavage reaction for sensitive surface plasmon resonance detection of miRNA

Abnormal expression levels of miRNA are associated with various tumor diseases, for example, glioma tumors are characterized by the up-regulation of miRNA-182. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay for miRNA-182 from glioma patients was performed via DNA walking amplification strategy. The duplex between aminated swing arm DNA (swDNA) and block DNA (blDNA), and aminated track DNA (trDNA) with a biotin tag were tethered on the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified chips. Upon formation of miRNA/blDNA duplex, the SPR signal decreased with the walking process of swDNA, as the biotinylated fragment of trDNA (biotin-TTGGAGT) was detached from the sensor surface caused by the nicking endonuclease Nb.BbvCI. Such a repeated hybridization and cleavage cycle occurred continuously and the detachment of more biotinylated fragments of trDNA from the chips led to the attachment of fewer streptavidin (SA) molecules and then smaller SPR signals. MiRNA-182 with concentrations ranging from 5.0 fM to 1.0 pM could be readily determined and a detection limit of 0.62 fM was achieved. The proposed method was highly selective and possessed remarkable capability for evaluating the expression levels of miRNA-182 in serum samples from healthy donors and glioma patients. The sensing protocol holds great promise for early diagnosis of cancer patients.

Ratiometric electrochemical detection of miRNA based on DNA nanomachines and strand displacement reaction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating gene expression in cells. Abnormal expression of miRNAs has been associated with a variety of diseases. A ratiometric electrochemical method for miRNA detection based on DNA nanomachines and strand displacement reaction was developed. Signal probe with ferrocene label and reference probe with methylene blue label were immobilized on gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-coated magnetic microbeads (AuNP-MMBs). The miRNA triggers the strand displacement reaction and forms a duplex with the protect probe, releasing one end of the DNA walker (DW); the released DW hybridizes with the ferrocene (Fc)-labeled signal probe. The signal probe detached from AuNP-MMBs upon cleavage of the Nb.BbvCI enzyme. The oxidation peak of MB moieties on the reference probe remains unchanged and the signals of Fc moieties on the signal probe are inversely proportional to the concentrations of miRNA. The ratio between Fc moieties at 0.35 V and MB moieties at -0.22 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was used to quantify the expression level of miRNA with a detection limit down to 0.12 fM. The ratiometric assay possesses a strong ability to eliminate interference from environmental changes, thus offering the high selectivity of miRNA from the complexed biosystems, holding great significance for miRNA sensing. A ratiometric assay with high selectivity of miRNA has been developed based on DNA nanomachines and strand displacement reaction.