<br/>Small noncoding RNA called microRNA holds the promise of many discoveries and understanding of critical biological phenomena and pathologies. These microRNAs play a significant role as oncogenic, or tumor suppressor, in various types of cancers such as breast, pancreatic, liver, and bladder cancers. During the cancer progression stage, oncogenic microRNA levels increase and level of tumor suppressor microRNA decreases compared to the healthy individuals. Many studies have proven that early detection of microRNAs could prevent metastasis of cancer and increase the chances of patient survival. PCR-based microRNA quantification is the standard available technique for microRNAs detection. However, it requires biological fluid treatment, RNA extraction, labeling, amplification, and large samples. In addition to that, due to low sensitivity, effective detection of tumor suppressor microRNAs in patient samples is challenging. We report a novel ultra-sensitive optical-based assay using the unique aspects of localized surface plasmon resonance properties of chemically synthesized gold triangular nanoprisms. The reported technique can detect zeptomolar concentrations of microRNAs in patient plasma without any further purification. Additionally, we describe the investigation of changes in functional parameters for the unprecedented high sensitivity based on delocalization of surface plasmon excitation through the DNA chain. The demonstrated sensitivity and feasibility of our novel methodology has the potential ability to effectively quantify microRNA. Accordingly, we have successfully detected three different types of microRNAs in bladder cancers patients using only a few microliters of the plasma samples even without having further extraction and purification. Importantly, with our highest sensitivity as the first time, we were able to effectively detect the tumor suppressor microRNA in patient plasma.<br/>

Manipulation of functional parameters of plasmon-based sensor for effective microRNA assay in patient plasma

255th National Meeting (2018)

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