Label-Free Detection of Zeptomol miRNA via Peptide Nucleic Acid Hybridization Using Novel Cyclic Voltammetry Method

To harness the applicability of microribonucleic acid (miRNA) as a cancer biomarker, the detection sensitivity of serum miRNA needs to be improved. This study evaluated the detection sensitivity of miRNA hybridization using cyclic voltammograms (CVs) and microelectrode array chips modified with peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes and 6-hydroxy-1-hexanethiol. We investigated the PNA probe modification pattern on array chips using fluorescently labeled cDNA. The pattern was not uniformly spread over the working electrode (WE) and had a one-dimensional swirl-like pattern. Accordingly, we established a new ion-channel sensor model wherein the WE is negatively biased through the conductive π-π stacks of the PNA/DNA duplexes. This paper discusses the mechanism underlying the voltage shift in the CV curves based on the electric double-layer capacitance. Additionally, the novel hybridization evaluation parameter ΔE is introduced. Compared to conventional evaluation using oxidation current changes, ΔE was more sensitive. Using ΔE and a new hybridization system for ultrasmall amounts of aqueous solutions (as low as 35 pL), 140 zeptomol label-free miRNA were detected without polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification at an adequate sensitivity. Herein, the differences in the target molar amount and molar concentration are elucidated from the viewpoint of hybridization sensitivity.