Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025
07:27
High Throughput MicroRNA Profiling: Optimized Multiplex qRT-PCR at Nanoliter Scale on the Fluidigm Dynamic ArrayTM IFCs
Published on: August 3, 2011
20.9K
CRISPR-powered electrochemical microfluidic multiplexed biosensor for target amplification-free miRNA diagnostics.
Richard Bruch1, Midori Johnston1, André Kling2
1University of Freiburg, Department of Microsystems Engineering, Germany; University of Freiburg, Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, Germany.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|January 25, 2021
Summary
This study presents a novel multiplexed electrochemical biosensor for simultaneous detection of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs). The CRISPR-Biosensor X platform enables amplification-free quantification of up to eight miRNAs, advancing clinical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are significant biomarkers for disease diagnostics.
- Accurate miRNA quantification requires multiplexing to analyze multiple targets simultaneously.
- Existing diagnostic methods face challenges in parallel detection of multiple miRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and implement multiplexed electrochemical microfluidic biosensors for amplification-free, simultaneous miRNA quantification.
- To develop novel chip designs for parallel detection of up to eight miRNAs.
- To validate the biosensor platform for detecting specific miRNAs relevant to disease.
Main Methods:
- Development of four novel multiplexed electrochemical microfluidic biosensor chip designs (CRISPR-Biosensor X).
- Utilizing a one-step assay with amperometric readout and a stop-flow protocol for characterization.
- Employing Cas13a for proof-of-concept measurement of specific miRNAs (miRNA-19b and miRNA-20a).
Main Results:
- Successful design and implementation of multiplexed biosensor chips enabling simultaneous detection of multiple miRNAs.
- Characterization of fluidic and mechanical properties of different chip versions.
- Proof-of-concept demonstration of Cas13a-powered detection of two specific miRNAs from the miRNA-17-92 cluster.
Conclusions:
- The developed CRISPR-Biosensor X platform is applicable for amplification-free, parallel detection of multiple nucleic acids.
- The multiplexed biosensor shows potential for advancing clinical and point-of-care diagnostics.
- The platform successfully quantified specific miRNAs associated with pediatric medulloblastoma.
