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N-Deficient B-Doped g-C3N4/CdS Heterojunction-Based PEC-FL Biosensor Assisted by CRISPR-Cas12a System for
Qingyu Du1, Haoyu Zhang1, Yingna Bi1
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Shandong Provincial Universities for Functional Molecules and Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
Analytical Chemistry
|February 13, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel near-infrared light biosensor using N-deficient B-doped g-C3N4/CdS and CRISPR-Cas12a for sensitive microRNA-21 detection. The dual-mode photoelectrochemical and fluorescence sensor achieves ultra-low detection limits and high specificity for clinical analysis.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors often suffer from weak photocurrents, limiting their sensitivity.
- Developing efficient near-infrared (NIR) light-driven systems is crucial for advanced biosensing applications.
- MicroRNA-21 (miRNA-21) is a significant biomarker in various clinical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly sensitive NIR-driven PEC biosensor for miRNA-21 detection.
- To enhance light absorption and charge separation in PEC materials for improved performance.
- To integrate a CRISPR-Cas12a system for specific and sensitive miRNA detection.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of N-deficient B-doped g-C3N4/CdS heterostructures for enhanced NIR absorption and charge carrier dynamics.
- Preparation of core-shell NaYF4:Yb3+, Tm3+@NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for efficient NIR excitation.
- Integration of a rolling circle amplification (RCA)-assisted CRISPR-Cas12a system for signal amplification and target recognition.
- Development of a dual-mode photoelectrochemical (PEC) and fluorescence (FL) detection strategy.
Main Results:
- The engineered NB-g-C3N4/CdS material exhibited improved optical absorption and charge separation.
- The dual-mode biosensor achieved ultra-sensitive detection of miRNA-21 with detection limits of 1.1 fM (PEC) and 7.0 fM (FL).
- The biosensor demonstrated excellent specificity and provided mutual authentication of results through its dual detection modes.
Conclusions:
- The proposed NB-g-C3N4/CdS based dual-mode biosensor offers a promising platform for ultrasensitive and specific miRNA-21 detection.
- The integration of engineered nanomaterials with CRISPR-Cas12a technology significantly enhances biosensing capabilities.
- This approach holds great potential for clinical diagnostics and biomedical research.
