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Cotton thread-based multi-channel photothermal biosensor for simultaneous detection of multiple microRNAs
Hanjun Chen1, Ying Liu1, Shaoqiong Feng2
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, PR China.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|December 30, 2021
Summary
A novel cotton thread biosensor enables simultaneous detection of three breast cancer microRNAs (miRNAs) using photothermal agents. This method offers a sensitive, rapid, and portable tool for early disease diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is linked to various diseases, necessitating accurate diagnostic tools.
- Current methods for simultaneous miRNA detection can be complex and lack portability.
- Sensitive and rapid detection of multiple miRNAs is crucial for timely disease diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, portable, and sensitive multi-channel photothermal biosensor for simultaneous detection of breast cancer-related miRNAs.
- To utilize cotton threads as a substrate for immobilizing capture probes and creating distinct detection channels.
- To employ copper sulfide (Cu2-xS) nanostrings as photothermal agents for signal amplification and transduction.
Main Methods:
- Designing a multi-channel cotton thread biosensor with immobilized capture probes for miRNA-10b, miRNA-27a, and miRNA-let-7a.
- Synthesizing Cu2-xS nanostrings via hybridization chain reaction (HCR) for signal amplification.
- Utilizing a sandwich assay format where target miRNAs bridge capture probes and Cu2-xS nanostrings.
- Quantifying miRNA concentration via photothermal signal generation under laser irradiation and detection with a thermal camera.
Main Results:
- The biosensor achieved simultaneous detection of miRNA-10b, miRNA-27a, and miRNA-let-7a with low detection limits (37-38 pM).
- Demonstrated excellent specificity and sensitivity in detecting target miRNAs.
- Successfully validated the method through simultaneous detection in cell lysates, showing good agreement with qRT-PCR results.
Conclusions:
- The developed cotton thread-based photothermal biosensor is a promising tool for sensitive, rapid, and simultaneous multi-miRNA detection.
- Its portability and simplicity make it suitable for potential clinical diagnostic applications.
- This platform offers a valuable approach for analyzing multiple targets in biological samples.
