Progress in miRNA Detection Using Graphene Material–Based Biosensors

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, endogenous, noncoding RNAs that play critical roles in physiologic and pathologic processes and are vital biomarkers for several disease diagnostics and therapeutics. Therefore, rapid, low‐cost, sensitive, and selective detection of miRNAs is of paramount importance and has aroused increasing attention in the field of medical research. Among the various reported miRNA sensors, devices based on graphene and its derivatives, which form functional supramolecular nanoassemblies of π‐conjugated molecules, have been revealed to have great potential due to their extraordinary electrical, chemical, optical, mechanical, and structural properties. This Review critically and comprehensively summarizes the recent progress in miRNA detection based on graphene and its derivative materials, with an emphasis on i) the underlying working principles of these types of sensors, and the unique roles and advantages of graphene materials; ii) state‐of‐the‐art protocols recently developed for high‐performance miRNA sensing, including representative examples; and iii) perspectives and current challenges for graphene sensors. This Review intends to provide readers with a deep understanding of the design and future of miRNA detection devices.

Polyphenol‐Containing Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Therapeutic Delivery

“…[223] However, most of the current strategies for microRNA detection need cumbersome material synthetic steps and complicated devices. [224,225] To this end, Wei and coworkers synthesized a series of MPN NPs based on different metal ions (e.g., Zn(II), Mn(II), Cu(II), and Fe(III)) for microRNA detection. [38] The formation of the MPN spheres involved the pre-crosslinking of natural polyphenols (e.g., TA) by formaldehyde in alkaline ethanol/water mixed solutions, followed by the metal-polyphenol coordination-driven self-aggregation assembly of polyphenol oligomers.…”

Modeling the Adsorption of the miR-29a Cancer Biomarker on a Graphene Quantum Dot

“…New methods are thus developed using various nanomaterials including graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes, and metal nanoparticles 6 − 10 for isolating DNAs from interfering molecules in a biological sample, and some are directly coupled with detection assays. 11 − 13 The adsorption of DNA onto nanomaterials and desorption by complementary DNA/RNA probes are one of the key steps for effective DNA extraction. Such techniques are mostly applied to DNA.…”

Recent Applications of Carbon Nanomaterials for microRNA Electrochemical Sensing

“…In addition to graphene and its derivatives, their nanocomposites also have been devoted to miRNA detection. [7,74] The composite materials of AuNPs and graphene are widely used as electrode materials for electrochemical biosensors due to their excellent electron transfer ability and large specific surface area. [75] Based on the nanocomposites between AuNPs and graphene, lower detection limit can be achieved, which are preferred by cancer patients.…”

“…Currently, ultrasound, computerized tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance tomography are used for cancer detection [6] . These diagnostic methods largely require expensive equipment and are not accurate enough to distinguish benign from malignant tumors [7] . Tumor markers are substances which exist in tumor cells and reflect the existence and growth of tumor [8] .…”

“…[6] These diagnostic methods largely require expensive equipment and are not accurate enough to distinguish benign from malignant tumors. [7] Tumor markers are substances which exist in tumor cells and reflect the existence and growth of tumor. [8] The detection of tumor markers is important in the early diagnosis of cancer.…”