Title | A Carbon Nanotube Reporter of miRNA Hybridization Events In Vivo. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2017 |
Authors | Harvey JD, Jena PV, Baker HA, Zerze GH, Williams RM, Galassi TV, Roxbury D, Mittal J, Heller DA |
Journal | Nat Biomed Eng |
Volume | 1 |
Date Published | 2017 |
ISSN | 2157-846X |
Abstract | MicroRNAs and other small oligonucleotides in biofluids are promising disease biomarkers, yet conventional assays require complex processing steps that are unsuitable for point-of-care testing or for implantable or wearable sensors. Single-walled carbon nanotubes are an ideal material for implantable sensors, owing to their emission in the near-infrared spectral region, photostability and exquisite sensitivity. Here, we report an engineered carbon-nanotube-based sensor capable of real-time optical quantification of hybridization events of microRNA and other oligonucleotides. The mechanism of the sensor arises from competitive effects between displacement of both oligonucleotide charge groups and water from the nanotube surface, which result in a solvatochromism-like response. The sensor, which allows for detection via single-molecule sensor elements and for multiplexing by using multiple nanotube chiralities, can monitor toehold-based strand-displacement events, which reverse the sensor response and regenerate the sensor complex. We also show that the sensor functions in whole urine and serum, and can non-invasively measure DNA and microRNA after implantation in live mice. |
DOI | 10.1038/s41551-017-0041 |
Alternate Journal | Nat Biomed Eng |
PubMed ID | 28845337 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC5568023 |
Grant List | DP2 HD075698 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States P20 GM103430 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States T32 CA062948 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States T32 GM007739 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States |
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