Advanced graphene oxide-based paper sensor for colorimetric detection of miRNA

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), found in blood and body fluids, have emerged as potential non-invasive biomarkers for disease and injury. miRNAs are quantitatively evaluated using typical RNA analysis methods such as the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, microarrays, and Northern blot, all of which require complex procedures and expensive reagents. To utilize miRNAs as practical biomarkers, it will be helpful to develop simple and user-friendly sensors. In this study, a paper-based miRNA sensor was developed by combining two methods: (1) target-recycled DNAzyme (Dz) amplification and (2) graphene oxide-assisted Dz blotting on paper. The Dz spots on paper caused a miRNA-dependent color change in presence of colorimetric reagents and facilitated the quantification of absolute amount of the target miRNA, irrespective of the volume, with high reproducibility. This approach is technologically straightforward and enables quantification of as low as 7.75 fmol miRNA using a portable smartphone.