Self-generated single-drop microextraction enhanced aggregation-induced emission strategy based on magnetic...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Lung cancer poses a significant global health challenge due to high mortality and limited prevention strategies.
• Early detection of specific biomarkers, such as miRNA-21, is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Current detection methods may lack the sensitivity or speed required for effective early diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive and rapid fluorescence detection method for miRNA-21, a biomarker for lung cancer.
• To utilize a magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) nanomaterial integrated with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties for enhanced signal detection.
• To establish a spatially confined magnetic single-drop microextraction (SDME) system for efficient sample processing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a DNA/MOF network loaded with the AIE material H4ETTC via DNA amplification.
• Application of magnetic single-drop microextraction (SDME) for rapid (under 10 seconds) isolation and concentration of the nanomaterial from serum samples.
• Fluorescence spectrophotometry for direct detection of enhanced AIE signals.

Main Results:

• The developed system achieved a highly sensitive limit of detection for miRNA-21 at 0.194 fM.
• A broad linear detection range for miRNA-21 was established, spanning from 1 fM to 100 nM.
• The method demonstrated excellent performance in human serum samples, with relative recoveries ranging from 98.4% to 104.5%.

Conclusions:

• The proposed magnetic MOF-based nanomaterial and SDME system effectively enhances AIE signals for sensitive miRNA-21 detection.
• This approach offers a promising tool for the early diagnosis of lung cancer through fluorescence-based biomarker analysis.
• The method's efficiency and applicability to real serum samples highlight its potential for clinical diagnostics.