Target-responsive, DNA nanostructure-based E-DNA sensor for microRNA analysis

Because of the short size and low abundance of microRNAs, it is challenging to develop fast, inexpensive, and simple biosensors to detect them. In this work, we have demonstrated a new generation (the third generation) of E-DNA sensor for the sensitive and specific detection of microRNAs. Our third generation of E-DNA sensor can sensitively detect microRNA target (microRNA-141) as low as 1 fM. The excellent specificity has been demonstrated by its differential ability to the highly similar microRNA analogues. In our design, the use of DNA tetrahedron ensures the stem-loop structure in well controlled density with improved reactivity. The regulation of the thermodynamic stability of the stem-loop structure decreases the background signal and increases the specificity as well. The enzymes attached bring the electrocatalytic signal to amplify the detection. The combination of these effects improves the sensitivity of the E-DNA sensor and makes it suitable to the microRNA detection. Finally, our third generation of E-DNA sensor is generalizable to the detection of other micro RNA targets (for example, microRNA-21).