paper-based detection of microRNA499 using the nanoprobe

Abstract

Microfluidic paper-based diagnostic tools have the potential to be very effective for chemical and biochemical analysis. These tools offer multiple advantages, including being low-cost, easy to use, disposable, and compatible with various detection methods. The cellulose chemistry of paper allows for stable immobilization of biomolecular probes such as antibodies, enzymes, bacteriophages, and cells, enabling a wide range of diagnostic tests using different signal transduction methods such as electrochemical, fluorescent, and colorimetric measurements. Based on the benefits of paper-based platforms, we aimed to develop a paper-based biosensor to identify 499 microRNAs as potential biomarkers for heart attack. The biosensor is designed and validated using a nanoprobe fixed on the paper substrate using static electricity. The hybridization process between the target miRNA and the probe on the paper results in a change in fluorescence intensity, which can be correlated with the sample concentration. The study shows that the designed probe has proper specificity and sensitivity for detecting the target biomarker, with a minimum detectable concentration of about 0.34 pM. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of paper-based biosensors as a low-cost point-of-care diagnostic tool for detecting various biomolecules, including microRNAs. The simplicity and convenience of paper-based devices make them attractive for use in resource-limited settings where conventional laboratory equipment is not available. The designed probe shows promise for accurately detecting the target biomarker on a paper substrate using fluorescence, with a minimum detectable concentration better than similar studies on detecting microRNAs on paper substrates.