Electrochemical Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification Leveraging Amplification and Nanomaterials: A Review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical biomarkers in various diseases, including cancer. Their stability in bodily fluids and role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors make them attractive targets for non-invasive diagnostics. However, c...

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Main Authors: Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Chemosensors
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9040/13/7/242
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author Alexander Hunt
Gymama Slaughter
author_facet Alexander Hunt
Gymama Slaughter
author_sort Alexander Hunt
collection DOAJ
description MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical biomarkers in various diseases, including cancer. Their stability in bodily fluids and role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors make them attractive targets for non-invasive diagnostics. However, conventional detection methods, such as Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and microarrays, are limited by low sensitivity, lengthy protocols, and limited specificity. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing high sensitivity, rapid response times, portability, and cost-effectiveness. These biosensors translate miRNA hybridization events into quantifiable electrochemical signals, often leveraging redox-active labels, mediators, or intercalators. Recent advancements in nanomaterials and signal amplification strategies have further enhanced detection capabilities, enabling sensitive, label-free miRNA quantification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in electrochemical biosensing of miRNAs, emphasizing innovative redox-based detection strategies, probe immobilization techniques, and hybridization modalities. The critical challenges and future perspectives in advancing electrochemical miRNA biosensors toward clinical translation and point-of-care diagnostics are discussed.
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spelling doaj-art-766420052c4e42a6a694533bcd015c0d2025-08-20T03:08:00ZengMDPI AGChemosensors2227-90402025-07-0113724210.3390/chemosensors13070242Electrochemical Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification Leveraging Amplification and Nanomaterials: A ReviewAlexander Hunt0Gymama Slaughter1Center for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USACenter for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USAMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical biomarkers in various diseases, including cancer. Their stability in bodily fluids and role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors make them attractive targets for non-invasive diagnostics. However, conventional detection methods, such as Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and microarrays, are limited by low sensitivity, lengthy protocols, and limited specificity. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing high sensitivity, rapid response times, portability, and cost-effectiveness. These biosensors translate miRNA hybridization events into quantifiable electrochemical signals, often leveraging redox-active labels, mediators, or intercalators. Recent advancements in nanomaterials and signal amplification strategies have further enhanced detection capabilities, enabling sensitive, label-free miRNA quantification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in electrochemical biosensing of miRNAs, emphasizing innovative redox-based detection strategies, probe immobilization techniques, and hybridization modalities. The critical challenges and future perspectives in advancing electrochemical miRNA biosensors toward clinical translation and point-of-care diagnostics are discussed.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9040/13/7/242microRNAbiomarkerselectrochemical biosensorsredox reporters
spellingShingle Alexander Hunt
Gymama Slaughter
Electrochemical Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification Leveraging Amplification and Nanomaterials: A Review
Chemosensors
microRNA
biomarkers
electrochemical biosensors
redox reporters
title Electrochemical Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification Leveraging Amplification and Nanomaterials: A Review
title_full Electrochemical Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification Leveraging Amplification and Nanomaterials: A Review
title_fullStr Electrochemical Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification Leveraging Amplification and Nanomaterials: A Review
title_full_unstemmed Electrochemical Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification Leveraging Amplification and Nanomaterials: A Review
title_short Electrochemical Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification Leveraging Amplification and Nanomaterials: A Review
title_sort electrochemical strategies for microrna quantification leveraging amplification and nanomaterials a review
topic microRNA
biomarkers
electrochemical biosensors
redox reporters
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9040/13/7/242
work_keys_str_mv AT alexanderhunt electrochemicalstrategiesformicrornaquantificationleveragingamplificationandnanomaterialsareview
AT gymamaslaughter electrochemicalstrategiesformicrornaquantificationleveragingamplificationandnanomaterialsareview