Lateral flow test for visual detection of multiple MicroRNAs

The authors describe a rapid and low-cost approach for multiplex microRNA(miRNA) assay on lateral flow nucleic acid biosensor (LFNAB). The principle of assay is based on sandwich-type nucleic acid hybridization reactions to produce gold nanoparticle (GNP)-attached complexes (ssDNA-microRNA-ssDNA/GNPs), which are captured and visualized on the test zone of LFNAB. By designing three different test zones on LFNAB, simultaneous detection of microRNA-21, microRNA-155 and microRNA-210 was achieved with an adding-measuring model by using GNP as visual tag. The method was challenged by testing the microRNAs in spiked serum samples with satisfied results. In our perception, the test is a particularly valuable tool for clinical application and biomedical diagnosis, particularly in limited resource settings.