A universal lateral flow assay for microRNA visual detection in urine samples

Area of Science:

• Biomarker Discovery
• Nanotechnology Applications
• Diagnostic Tools

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are significant biomarkers in liquid biopsy, detectable in various body fluids.
• Current miRNA analysis methods (NGS, microarrays) are often time-consuming, expensive, and require specialized personnel.
• Biosensors offer a simpler, cost-effective, and rapid alternative for miRNA detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel, universal biosensor for microRNA detection in human urine.
• To combine lateral flow assay (LFA) with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and gold nanoparticles for enhanced sensitivity.
• To assess the specificity and repeatability of the developed biosensor for specific miRNA targets.

Main Methods:

• Development of a lateral flow assay integrated with RT-PCR.
• Utilization of gold nanoparticles as reporters for signal amplification.
• Detection of specific microRNAs (miR-21 and miR-let-7a) in human urine samples.
• Evaluation of assay sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability (%CVs <4.5%).

Main Results:

• The proposed lateral flow assay successfully detected low concentrations of miR-21 (10^2-10^3 copies) and miR-let-7a (10^2-10^4 copies) in urine.
• The biosensor demonstrated high specificity and excellent repeatability for the target microRNAs.
• This represents the first application of such a biosensor for microRNA detection in human urine.

Conclusions:

• The developed universal lateral flow assay combined with RT-PCR and gold nanoparticles is a sensitive, specific, and repeatable method for microRNA detection in urine.
• This biosensor offers a cost-effective and rapid alternative to traditional methods for miRNA biomarker analysis.
• This technology holds promise for non-invasive diagnostic applications using urine samples.