Programmable electrochemical biosensing platform based on catalytic hairpin assembly and entropy-driven catalytic cascade amplification circuit

Electrochemical Biosensing Platform Based on Toehold-Mediated Strand Displacement Reaction and DSN Enzyme-Assisted Amplification for Two-Target Detection

Simultaneous detection of multiple targets is of great significance for accurate disease diagnosis. Herein, based on duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) assisted signal amplification and the toehold-mediated strand displacement reaction (TSDR), we constructed an electrochemical biosensor with high sensitivity and high specificity for dual-target detection. MiRNA-141 and miRNA-133a were used as the targets, and ferrocene (Fc) and methylene blue (MB) with significant peak potential differentiation were used as the electrochemical signal probes. The elaborately designed hairpin probe H1, which was fixed on the electrode surface, could be hybridized with the target miRNA-141 to perform signal amplification by the DSN-assisted enzyme cleavage cycle; thus, miRNA-141 could be detected by Fc signal changes at 0.41 V. The hairpin H1 can also combine with the MB-labeled signal probe (SP) output from miRNA-133a-induced TSDR, and the detection of miRNA-133a can be realized according to the response signal generated by MB at -0.26 V. The two sensing lines are independent of each other, and there is no mutual interference in the detection process. Therefore, two independent detection lines could be connected in series, and the simultaneous detection of two targets can be achieved on a single electrode. This novel detection strategy provides a new way to simultaneously detect different biomarkers.

Exonuclease-iii -propelled DNAzyme cascade for sensitive and reliable cervical cancer related miRNA analysis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can serve as biomarkers for early-diagnosis, therapy, and postoperative care of cervical cancer. Sensitive and reliable quantification of miRNA remains a huge challenge due to its low expressing levels and background interference. Herein, we propose a novel exonuclease-III (Exo-III)-propelled DNAzyme cascade for sensitive and high-efficient miRNA analysis. This method involves the engineering of compact DNAzyme hairpin probes, including the H1 probe and H2 probe. The H1 probe is designed with exposed analyte recognition subunits that can specifically recognize target miRNA. This recognition triggers two processes: Exo-iii-assisted target regeneration and successive substrate cleavage catalyzed by DNAzyme. The unique character of Exo-III that catalyzes removal of mononucleotides from the blunt or recessed 3'-OH termini of dsDNA confers the approach with a minimal background signal. The multiple signal cycles provided an abundant signal amplification and consequently, the method exhibited a low limit of detection of 3.12 fM, and a better specificity over several homologous miRNAs. In summary, this powerful Exo-III driven DNAzyme cascaded system offers broader and more adaptable methods for comprehending the activities of miRNA in various biological occurrences.

An efficient DNAzyme-locked leakless enzyme-free amplification system for alpha-foetoprotein detection in liver cancer and breast cancer

Alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) is taken as a diagnostic tumor marker for the screening and diagnosis of cancer. Nucleic acid-based isothermal amplification strategies are emerging as a potential technology in early screening and clinical diagnosis of AFP. The leakages between hairpins dramatically increase the background and reduce the sensitivity. Thus, it is necessary to develop some strategies to reduce the leakage for isothermal amplification strategies. A DNAzyme-locked leakless enzyme-free amplification system was developed for AFP detection in liver cancer and breast cancer. AFP could open the apt-hairpin and initiate the catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction to produce a Y-shaped duplex. Two tails of a Y-shaped duplex cleaved the two kinds of leakless hairpins. Then, the third tail of the Y-shaped duplex catalyzed the second CHA between the cleaved leakless hairpins to recover the fluorescent intensity. The limit of detection reached 5 fg/mL by the two levels of signal amplifications. Importantly, the leakless hairpin design effectively reduced leakage between hairpins and weakened the background. In addition, it also showed a great promising potential for AFP detection in early screening and clinical diagnosis.

Engineered Electrochemiluminescence Biosensors for Monitoring Heavy Metal Ions: Current Status and Prospects

Metal ion contamination has serious impacts on environmental and biological health, so it is crucial to effectively monitor the levels of these metal ions. With the continuous progression of optoelectronic nanotechnology and biometrics, the emerging electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing technology has not only proven its simplicity, but also showcased its utility and remarkable sensitivity in engineered monitoring of residual heavy metal contaminants. This comprehensive review begins by introducing the composition, advantages, and detection principles of ECL biosensors, and delving into the engineered aspects. Furthermore, it explores two signal amplification methods: biometric element-based strategies (e.g., HCR, RCA, EDC, and CRISPR/Cas) and nanomaterial (NM)-based amplification, including quantum dots, metal nanoclusters, carbon-based nanomaterials, and porous nanomaterials. Ultimately, this review envisions future research trends and engineered technological enhancements of ECL biosensors to meet the surging demand for metal ion monitoring.