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Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in DNA Nanosensors – Addressing Sensitivity and Selectivity Challenges in Molecular Detection
Published on: February 9, 2024
Single-molecule analysis of nucleic acid biomarkers - A review
Tal Gilboa1, Padric M Garden1, Limor Cohen2
1Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Nucleic acids are important biomarkers for disease detection, monitoring, and treatment. Advances in technologies for nucleic acid analysis have enabled discovery and clinical implementation of nucleic acid biomarkers. However, challenges remain with technologies for nucleic acid analysis, thereby limiting the use of nucleic acid biomarkers in certain contexts. Here, we review single-molecule technologies for nucleic acid analysis that can be used to overcome these challenges. We first discuss the various types of nucleic acid biomarkers important for clinical applications and conventional technologies for nucleic acid analysis. We then discuss technologies for single-molecule in vitro and in situ analysis of nucleic acid biomarkers. Finally, we discuss other ultra-sensitive techniques for nucleic acid biomarker detection.

