Ultrasensitive Detection of Ribonucleic Acid Biomarkers Using Portable Sensing Platforms Based on Organic Electrochemical Transistors

Anal Chem. 2021 Nov 2;93(43):14359-14364. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03441. Epub 2021 Oct 18.

Abstract

The analysis of ribonucleic acid (RNA) plays an important role in the early diagnosis of diseases and will greatly benefit patients with a higher cure rate. However, the low abundance of RNA in physiological environments requires ultrahigh sensitivity of a detection technology. Here, we construct a portable and smart-phone-controlled biosensing platform based on disposable organic electrochemical transistors for ultrasensitive analysis of microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers within 1 h. Due to their inherent amplification function, the devices can detect miRNA cancer biomarkers from little-volume solutions with concentrations down to 10-14 M. The devices can distinguish blood miRNA expression levels at different cancer stages using a 4T1 mouse tumor model. The technique for ultrasensitive and fast detection of RNA biomarkers with high selectivity opens a window for mobile diagnosis of various diseases with low cost.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs