Molecular beacon decorated silver nanowires for quantitative miRNA detection by a SERS approach

Anal Methods. 2023 Nov 23;15(45):6165-6176. doi: 10.1039/d3ay01661g.

Abstract

Advantages of biosensors based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) rely on improved sensitivity and specificity, and suited reproducibility in detecting a target molecule that is localized in close proximity to a SERS-active surface. Herein, a comprehensive study on the realization of a SERS biosensor designed for detecting miRNA-183, a miRNA biomarker that is specific for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is presented. The used strategy exploits a signal-off mechanism by means of a labelled molecular beacon (MB) as the oligonucleotide biorecognition element immobilized on a 2D SERS substrate, based on spot-on silver nanowires (AgNWs) and a multi-well low volume cell. The MB was properly designed by following a dedicated protocol to recognize the chosen miRNA. A limit of detection down to femtomolar concentration (3 × 10-16 M) was achieved and the specificity of the biosensor was proved. Furthermore, the possibility to regenerate the sensing system through a simple procedure is shown: with regeneration by using HCl 1 mM, two detection cycles were performed with a good recovery of the initial MB signal (83%) and a reproducible signal after hybridization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • MicroRNAs* / chemistry
  • Nanowires*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Silver / chemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Silver