AND Logic-Gate-Based Dual-Locking Probe System for the Sensitive Detection of microRNA and APE1

Abstract

MicroRNA (miRNA) and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) have been reported to be closely associated with cancers, making them potential crucial biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, focusing on the detection of a single target is not conducive to the diagnosis and prognosis assessment of diseases. In this study, an AND logic-gate-based dual-locking hairpin-mediated catalytic hairpin assembly (DL-CHA) was developed for sensitive and specific detection of microRNA and APE1. By addition of a lock to each of the hairpins, with APE1 and microRNA serving as keys, fluorescence signals could only be detected in the presence of simultaneous stimulation by APE1 and miRNA-224. This indicated that the biosensor could operate as an AND logic gate. DL-CHA exhibited advantages such as a low background, rapid response, and high logic capability. Therefore, the biosensor serves as a novel approach to cancer diagnosis with significant potential applications.