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Author Spotlight: Advancements in DNA Nanosensors – Addressing Sensitivity and Selectivity Challenges in Molecular Detection
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A nanobiosensor based on graphene oxide and DNA binding dye for multi-microRNAs detection
Mahdi Rahaie1, Saman Khayat Noroozi1
1Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439957131, Iran.
Bioscience Reports
|December 14, 2019
Summary
This study presents a novel fluorescence assay for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, microRNAs (miRNAs). The sensitive, rapid, and inexpensive method enables simultaneous detection of miR-137 and miR-142 in blood samples.
Area of Science:
- Biomarker detection
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular diagnostics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with increasing prevalence.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in AD pathogenesis and serve as potential early diagnostic biomarkers.
- Sensitive, rapid, and multiplex detection of miRNAs is critical for early AD diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive fluorescence assay for the simultaneous detection of Alzheimer's disease-related miRNAs (miR-137 and miR-142).
- To utilize enzyme-free isothermal hybridization chain reaction (HCR) with SYBR Green and graphene oxide (GOX) for enhanced miRNA detection.
Main Methods:
- A novel fluorescence assay employing enzyme-free isothermal HCR was developed.
- SYBR Green was used as the fluorescent reporter, and graphene oxide (GOX) acted as a fluorescence quencher.
- Fluorescence intensity changes were measured using spectrophotometry to quantify target miRNAs.
Main Results:
- The developed nanobiosensor achieved a sensitive detection limit of 82 pM for miRNAs.
- The assay demonstrated sensitive detection of miRNAs in the concentration range of 0.05 to 5 nM.
- The method showed high sensitivity, specificity, and rapidness, suitable for detecting clinically relevant miRNA concentrations in blood.
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescence assay offers a promising, cost-effective, and convenient method for the early and multiplex detection of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.
- This approach holds significant potential for improving early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
