Target triggered G4 catalytic network via HCR-mediated hydrogel assembly for multi-model analysis of microRNA efficiently

Abstract

With the advancement of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment systems, there is an increasing demand for rapid, user-friendly, and cost-effective approaches for disease analysis and prognosis monitoring. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as vital biomarkers for early-stage disease diagnosis, pose substantial analytical challenges due to their small molecular size, low endogenous abundance, and high sequence homology among different species. Traditional methods such as Northern blotting and real-time ​polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are limited by their complexity, lengthy procedures, and reliance on specialized instruments, making them less suitable for point-of-care (POC) applications. To address these challenges, we propose a portable and efficient POC analytical platform by utilizing a G4 catalytic network triggered by miRNA-155 through hybridization chain reaction (HCR)-mediated hydrogel assembly. A highly sensitive analysis was achieved for concentrations of 500 pM and 100 ​nM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 138 pM, which demonstrated the method's capability for precise detection at low concentrations. Additionally, based on the color development reaction, its image information via RGB analysis could be used to achieve ternary precise quantitative analysis, thereby improving the analysis sensitivity and portability. This innovative platform provides a simple, cost-effective, and customizable solution for miRNA detection, opening new avenues for home-based bioanalysis and early disease diagnosis in resource-limited or remote settings.