Quantum Dots-Based Protocols for the Detection of RNAs

RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays a crucial role in various cellular processes and is involved in the development and progression of several diseases. RNA molecules have gained considerable attention as potential biomarkers for various ailments, as they reflect the activity of genes in a particular cell or tissue. By measuring the levels of specific RNA molecules, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), researchers can infer the expression patterns of genes associated with a particular disease. Aberrant expression of specific miRNAs or lncRNAs has been associated with conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Detection and quantification of these RNAs in biological samples, such as blood or tissue, can provide valuable diagnostic or prognostic information. Yet their analysis is a challenging endeavor due to their length, sequence similarity across family members, sensitivity to disintegration, and low quantity in total samples. New advances in nanophotonics have provided novel options for fabrication of quantum dots (QDs)-based biosensing devices capable of detecting a variety of disease-specific RNAs. Thus, we proposed and designed a nanophotonic method employing oligonucleotide-conjugated quantum dot nanoconjugates for the rapid and accurate detection of RNAs. Despite the abundance of other molecules in the sample, the approach delivers highly selective, precise identification of the target RNAs. The data also indicated the method's great practicality and simplicity in determining RNAs selectively. Overall, the approach enables the evaluation of RNA expression in relation to the initial onset and progression of a human health disorder.