Carrico, Amanda (2024) Development of simple, ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensors for the detection of miRNAs associated with neurological diseases Amanda Carrico. PhD thesis, Dublin City University.
Abstract
An impedance-based biosensor was developed to detect miRNA-206, associated with
Alzheimer's disease, with remarkable sensitivity (LOD 0.15 aM). By modulating surface
coverage and hybridization efficiency, the biosensor achieved a reduced dielectric constant and
smaller association constant between miRNA capture-target. This phenomenon enhanced the
biosensors’ dynamic range (μM to aM), while maintaining high selectivity, low non-specific
binding, and sensing phase stability. The biosensor was also validated in the clinical settings
by accurately quantification of miRNA-206 in real plasma samples.
To enhance biosensor sensitivity, miRNA reporter-probes were modified with gold nanorods
(AuNRDs).The study employed chronoamperometry analysis, emphasizing hydrogen peroxide
reduction by gold nanorods confined to the gold electrode via miRNA target hybridization.
Optimization steps, including [miRNA reporter-probe]I to [AuNRDs] ratios, optimal hydrogen
peroxide concentration for electrocatalysis, and refinement of target—reporter-probe
hybridization time, improved detection accuracy. The biosensor detected miRNA-206 across a
broad dynamic range (fM to μM) with high sensitivity (LOD 0.46 fM), selectivity against base
mismatches, and rapid response time (5 to 25 minutes).
Screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) offered a cost-effective and biocompatible alternative
for mass-producing miRNA detection platforms. Two SPCE, containing different gold
structures within their carbon ink as 10%(w/w) microflakes (AuF) and 10%(w/w) microspheres
(AuS), were developed. Comparative analysis involving chronoamperometry revealed that
SPCEs with AuS exhibited superior charge transfer process, higher peak currents and reduced
potential for hydrogen peroxide reduction. Further assessments evaluated SPCE with an
enhanced sensing phase (i.e. 20% (w/w) AuS). An additional of 10% AuS onto the matrix ink
led to an expressive (i.e 56-fold) signal amplification of the platform when using AuNRDs as
labels.
In a proof-of-concept study, the innovative 20% (w/w) AuS SPCE demonstrated its potential
as a multiplex platform. It successfully detected potential biomarkers for Alzheimer disease
(miRNA-206) and epilepsy (let-7b and miRNA-135a) using various nanomaterial labels.
Platinum nanoparticles showed the highest electrocatalytic activity, followed by PdNCBs and
AuNRDs, catering to different miRNA requirements. The biosensor exhibited a wide dynamic
range (fM-uM), ultralow LODs (fM), high selectivity against mismatches and stable sensing
phase. The successful detection of multiples miRNAs and absence of cross-reactivity between
assays position it as a promising candidate for multiplexed analysis.
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