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Single Cell Real-Time miRNAs Sensing Based on Nanomotors
Berta Esteban-Fernández de Ávila1, Aída Martín1,2, Fernando Soto1
1†Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States.
ACS Nano
|June 3, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a novel nanomotor system for rapid, single-step detection of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) inside cancer cells. The ultrasound-powered nanomotors enable precise, real-time monitoring of intracellular miRNA expression at the single-cell level.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Intracellular detection of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) is crucial for understanding cancer biology and developing targeted therapies.
- Existing methods for miRNA detection often require complex sample preparation and lack real-time, single-cell resolution.
- Ultrasound (US)-propelled nanomotors offer a promising platform for targeted intracellular delivery and sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, single-step intracellular biosensing strategy for detecting target miRNAs in intact cancer cells.
- To utilize ultrasound-propelled nanomotors for efficient internalization and real-time fluorescence-based detection of miRNA-21.
- To demonstrate the capability of the nanomotor system for screening cancer cells based on endogenous miRNA levels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of gold nanowires (AuNWs) coated with graphene oxide (GO) and dye-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes.
- Utilizing ultrasound (US) to propel the nanomotors for internalization into cancer cells.
- Monitoring fluorescence signal changes ('OFF-ON' switching) upon target miRNA-21 binding and displacement of ssDNA probes from GO surface.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid internalization and movement of US-powered nanomotors into cancer cells, enhancing probe-target interactions.
- Demonstrated successful 'OFF-ON' fluorescence switching upon specific binding of miRNA-21, indicating successful intracellular sensing.
- Successfully differentiated between cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and HeLa) with varying endogenous miRNA-21 expression levels based on fluorescence signals.
Conclusions:
- The nanomotor-based strategy provides a novel, efficient, and rapid method for single-step intracellular miRNA detection at the single-cell level.
- This approach enables precise and real-time monitoring of intracellular miRNA expression, even in cells with low miRNA content.
- The developed system holds potential for advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.
