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Updated: Sep 20, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
Ultrasensitive fluorescent biosensor for miRNA-34a detection: Magnetic separation coupled with cascade amplification
Yanjie Zheng1, Xinyi Zhang2, Siyi Wang3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
Abstract:
Lung cancer is the most common and lethal malignancy worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for approximately 85% of cases and exhibiting high mortality rates. MicroRNA-34a (miRNA-34a) is a promising biomarker, therapeutic target, and prognostic indicator for NSCLC, necessitating sensitive and specific detection methods for early diagnosis and improved clinical management. Here, we developed a highly sensitive fluorescent biosensor for miRNA-34a detection by integrating magnetic separation with cascade amplification of duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR). Under optimal conditions, the biosensor exhibits a wide linear range (1.0 fM-10.0 nM) and an ultralow detection limit (0.3 fM), with excellent specificity for discriminating against interfering miRNAs. Moreover, the sensor was successfully validated in clinical blood samples, showing excellent agreement with RT-qPCR results. Collectively, this method provides a sensitive and specific tool for trace miRNA-34a detection, demonstrating significant potential for early NSCLC diagnosis and improved patient management.

