RNA-Cleaving NAzymes: The Next Big Thing in Biosensing?

Nucleic acid enzymes (NAzymes) are nucleic acid molecules with catalytic activity. A subset, the RNA-cleaving NAzyme, is characterized by its substrate of choice: an RNA unit. These enzymes have been used for diverse applications, including biosensor development, akin to their protein counterparts. Owing to their function as both biorecognition elements and signal generators, robust bioassays based entirely on NAzyme molecules have been developed. Additionally, unique mechanisms for integration with other biorecognition elements and signal generation methods have been explored to realize ultrasensitive, specific, and user-friendly biosensors. Furthermore, NAzyme-based bioassays have already broken into the in vitro diagnostics market, with more promise in the pipeline.