Electrochemical MicroRNA biosensors for kidney Cancer: From biomarker discovery to point-of-care diagnostics

Abstract

Kidney cancer, particularly clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), presents a significant clinical burden due to late-stage detection and limited effectiveness of current diagnostic modalities. Minimally invasive strategies, such as liquid biopsy, have emerged as promising alternatives, with microRNAs (miRNAs) gaining attention as stable, disease-specific biomarkers detectable in biofluids. miRNAs function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, offering advantages over conventional protein biomarkers in early cancer detection and prognostic assessment. Electrochemical biosensors provide a highly sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective platform for miRNA detection, enabling potential point-of-care applications. Recent advances include the integration of nanomaterials, enzymatic and isothermal amplification methods, and CRISPR-Cas systems to enhance specificity and signal sensitivity. Prototype sensors targeting RCC-relevant miRNAs, multiplexed detection for biomarker panels, and smartphone-compatible platforms demonstrate the feasibility of translating these technologies into clinical practice. Despite challenges in assay standardization, pre-analytical variability, and regulatory pathways, electrochemical miRNA biosensors hold transformative potential for non-invasive RCC diagnostics, treatment monitoring, and precision oncology. Continued innovation and clinical validation may establish these platforms as integral tools for personalized patient management.

Keywords: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma; Electrochemical biosensor; Kidney cancer; Liquid biopsy; Point-of-care diagnostics; microRNA.