Multiplex detection of miRNAs based on aggregation-induced emission luminogen encoded microspheres

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Cancer Biomarkers

Background:

• Gastric cancer diagnosis relies on sensitive and specific biomarker detection.
• Multiplex assays are crucial for simultaneous analysis of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs).
• Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) offer unique optical properties for bio-imaging and sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multiplex detection platform for simultaneous quantification of gastric cancer-associated miRNAs.
• To utilize AIEgen barcodes and flow cytometry for sensitive and specific miRNA detection.
• To evaluate the platform's performance in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and multiplexing capability.

Main Methods:

• A suspension array system employing AIEgen-encoded microspheres for miRNA detection.
• Utilizing phycoerythrin as a fluorescence reporter for quantitative signal generation.
• Employing flow cytometry for high-throughput analysis and quantification of target miRNAs.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous detection of let-7b-5p, miR-16-5p, and miR-19b-3p with high specificity, including single base mismatch recognition.
• Excellent sensitivity achieved with limits of detection (LODs) between 0.43 and 0.76 nM.
• Demonstrated potential for extension to detect additional miRNAs by modifying probes and barcodes.

Conclusions:

• The developed AIEgen-based multiplex assay provides a flexible and high-performance platform for miRNA quantification.
• The approach shows significant potential for future laboratory research and clinical applications in gastric cancer diagnostics.
• The platform's strong multiplexing ability and good detection performance highlight its utility in molecular diagnostics.