Ultrasensitive Detection of RNA Biomarkers Using Portable Sensing Platforms Based on Organic Electrochemical Transistors

Abstract

The analysis of RNA plays an important role in the early diagnosis of diseases and will greatly benefit patients with a higher cure rate. However, the low abundance of RNA in physiological environments requires ultrahigh sensitivity of a detection technology. Here, we construct a portable and smart-phone-controlled biosensing platform based on disposable organic electrochemical transistors for ultrasensitive analysis of micro RNA (miRNA) biomarkers within 1 hour. Due to their inherent amplification function, the devices can detect miRNA cancer biomarkers from little-volume solutions with concentrations down to 10^-14 M. The devices can distinguish blood miRNA expression levels at different cancer stages using 4T1 mouse tumor model. The technique for ultrasensitive and fast detection of RNA biomarkers with high selectivity opens a window for mobile diagnosis of various diseases with low cost.

Keywords: organic electrochemical transistors, biosensor, RNA, cancer biomarker