Logic Signal Amplification System for Sensitive Electrochemiluminescence Detection and Subtype Identification of Cancer Cells

Anal Chem. 2024 May 7;96(18):7172-7178. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00754. Epub 2024 Apr 22.

Abstract

Achieving sensitive detection and accurate identification of cancer cells is vital for diagnosing and treating the disease. Here, we developed a logic signal amplification system using DNA tetrahedron-mediated three-dimensional (3D) DNA nanonetworks for sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection and subtype identification of cancer cells. Specially designed hairpins were integrated into DNA tetrahedral nanostructures (DTNs) to perform a catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction in the presence of target microRNA, forming hyperbranched 3D nanonetworks. Benefiting from the "spatial confinement effect," the DNA tetrahedron-mediated catalytic hairpin assembly (DTCHA) reaction displayed significantly faster kinetics and greater cycle conversion efficiency than traditional CHA. The resulting 3D nanonetworks could load a large amount of Ru(phen)32+, significantly enhancing its ECL signal, and exhibit detection limits for both miR-21 and miR-141 at the femtomolar level. The biosensor based on modular logic gates facilitated the distinction and quantification of cancer cells and normal cells based on miR-21 levels, combined with miR-141 levels, to further identify different subtypes of breast cancer cells. Overall, this study provides potential applications in miRNA-related clinical diagnostics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques* / methods
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Electrochemical Techniques* / methods
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Luminescent Measurements*
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • MicroRNAs* / analysis
  • Nanostructures / chemistry

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • MIRN21 microRNA, human
  • DNA
  • MIRN141 microRNA, human