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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Author Spotlight: Engineering Molecular Tools for Disease Detection and Imaging
Published on: December 8, 2023
Molecular Beacon Nano-Sensors for Probing Living Cancer Cells
Tairong Kuang1, Lingqian Chang2, Xiangfang Peng3
1National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, The Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering of Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Abstract:
Heterogeneities and oncogenesis essentially result from proteomic disorders orchestrated by changes in DNA and/or cytoplasmic mRNA. These genetic fluctuations, however, cannot be decoded through conventional label-free methods (e.g., patch clamps, electrochemical cellular biosensors, etc.) or morphological characterization. Molecular beacons (MBs) have recently emerged as efficient probes for interrogating biomarkers in live cancer cells. MBs hybridize with their intracellular targets (e.g., mRNAs, DNAs, or proteins), emitting a fluorescent signal that can be quantified and correlated with the expression levels of their targets. In this review we discuss MB probes with different delivery platforms for intracellular probing as well as novel MB designs for detecting a variety of targets in living cancer cells. Finally, we describe current trends in MB-based intracellular biosensors.
Insights
Molecular beacons (MBs) offer a novel fluorescent approach to detect cancer biomarkers within live cells. This review explores MB designs and delivery systems for improved intracellular probing and biosensing.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cancer development involves proteomic disorders stemming from DNA and mRNA alterations.
- Conventional methods struggle to detect these intracellular genetic fluctuations.
- Molecular beacons (MBs) are emerging as effective probes for live cancer cell analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular beacon probes for intracellular biomarker detection in live cancer cells.
- To discuss various delivery platforms and novel MB designs.
- To highlight current trends in MB-based intracellular biosensors.
Main Methods:
- MBs hybridize with intracellular targets (DNA, mRNA, proteins).
- Hybridization triggers a quantifiable fluorescent signal.
- This signal correlates with target expression levels.
Main Results:
- MBs enable efficient probing of intracellular biomarkers in live cancer cells.
- Diverse MB designs and delivery platforms enhance detection capabilities.
- MBs offer a promising avenue for real-time cancer cell monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Molecular beacons provide a powerful tool for interrogating cancer cell heterogeneity.
- Advancements in MB technology are paving the way for novel biosensing applications.
- MBs are crucial for understanding and targeting cancer at the molecular level.
