Dual-Signal Mode Ratiometric Photoelectrochemical Sensor Based on G-Quadruplex Hole Transport for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of miRNA-210

Anal Chem. 2023 Dec 5;95(48):17670-17678. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03447. Epub 2023 Nov 22.

Abstract

For rapid and sensitive detection of miRNA-210, which is important for improving the reliability of clinical diagnosis of breast cancer, a dual-signal mode ratiometric photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on a Au/GaN photoanode is proposed. First, a DNA probe was designed that could complement the target miRNA-210. Then, another G-rich DNA sequence was designed to mismatch the probe and form a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Upon addition of the target, the dsDNA unwinds from its binding site and releases G-rich single-stranded DNA. In the presence of Mg2+ and K+, this single-stranded DNA molecule spontaneously forms a G-quadruplex structure, facilitating the rapid transport of photogenerated holes, thereby increasing the photocurrent response of Au/GaN and enabling sensitive label-free detection of miRNA-210. By control of different pH values, a response signal was generated at pH 8, while a reference signal was produced at pH 5. The designed PEC system shows a high potential for the development of miRNA-210 detection. Ultimately, the response signal-to-reference signal ratio was used as the variable, and a broad linear span ranging from 10 fM to 1 nM (R2 = 0.993) has been exhibited, with a detection threshold of 3 fM (S/N = 3). The designed PEC platform shows potential for the development of other disease markers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Limit of Detection
  • MicroRNAs*
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Gold
  • DNA
  • MicroRNAs