A nanopore-based enzyme-assisted biomarker detection method for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often involves pulmonary hypertension (PH), but early diagnosis is difficult due to similar symptoms and low detection sensitivity.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are needed for early identification of COPD and associated PH to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanopore-based enzyme-assisted detection method for simultaneous analysis of microRNA (miR-150-5p) and protein (VEGF165) biomarkers.
• To enhance diagnostic capabilities for early detection and precise evaluation of COPD and COPD-associated PH.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nanopore-based sensing strategy combined with enzyme-assisted signal transduction.
• Coupled enzyme-assisted signal transduction with α-hemolysin nanopore sensing for biomarker detection.
• Converted immunoassay signals into ionic current signatures for single-molecule sensitivity analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved highly sensitive detection limits: 10.0 fM for miR-150-5p and 10.0 fg mL⁻¹ for VEGF165.
• Demonstrated a unified platform for simultaneous dual-biomarker detection.
• miR-150-5p indicated COPD onset, while VEGF165 reflected pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH progression.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanopore sensing platform offers a promising approach for the early diagnosis of COPD and its complications.
• This method provides enhanced diagnostic capability and precise evaluation of COPD-associated pulmonary hypertension.
• The unified, highly sensitive dual-biomarker detection platform advances molecular diagnostics for respiratory diseases.