Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a critical biomarker
for early
tumor detection. However, accurately quantifying low-abundance ctDNA
in human serum remains a significant challenge. To address this challenge,
we introduce a bimodal biosensor tailored for detecting the epidermal
growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation L858R in specific nonsmall
cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This biosensor utilizes dual CRISPR-Cas12a
systems to quantify the target via fluorescence and electrochemical
signals. In our system, the EGFR L858R exhibits resistance to digestion
by the restriction enzyme MscI, which activates the first CRISPR-Cas12a
protein and inhibits the binding of magnetic beads with fluorescein
(FAM)-labeled hybridization chain reaction (HCR) products, thereby
reducing the fluorescence signal. This activation also inhibits the
cleavage activity of the second CRISPR-Cas12a protein, allowing the
electrode to sustain a higher electrochemical signal from nanomaterials.
The wild-type EGFR (wt EGFR) produces the opposite effect. Consequently,
the concentration of EGFR L858R can be accurately quantified and verified
using both fluorescence and electrochemical signals. The biosensor
offers a dynamic detection ranging from 10 fM to 1 μM, with
a detection limit of 372 aM. It demonstrates excellent specificity,
reproducibility, stability, and recovery rates. Moreover, the sensor’s
enhanced analytical sensitivity highlights its critical role in biosensing
applications and early disease diagnosis.