Hierarchical assembled nanomaterial paper based analytical devices for simultaneously electrochemical detection of microRNAs

Paper based biosensor devices have the benefit of easy-use, low-cost and environmental friendly for point-of-care diagnostic application. In this research, we report a novel form of paper based biosensor with hierarchical assembled nanomaterials and MOF enhanced bio-probes for the simultaneous detection of microRNA-141 (miR-141) and microRNA-21 (miR-21) which have the potential for early cancer detection. The combination of multi-dimensional nanomaterial allows low impedance and high sensing area on typical poorly defined paper substrate. MOF conjugated bio-probe, methylene blue (MB) and ferrocene (Fc) with distinguishable electrochemical signal, further contributed to the high selectivity and sensitivity. Simultaneously detection of miR-141 and miR-21 with a detection limit of 0.1 fM was demonstrated under optimal conditions. All these features enable accurately target detection in serum samples. Therefore, this strategy is of promising as an inexpensive, easy access diagnosis platform for cancers by means of simultaneously detection of a variety of miRNA biomarkers.