Using two linked DNA reactions to boost CRISPR/Cas12a biosensor sensitivity for detecting tiny amounts of microRNAs

A detection limit as low as 37 fM was achieved for microRNAs using a novel biosensing platform.

• The biosensing platform integrates catalytic hairpin assembly and hybridization chain reaction with the CRISPR/Cas12a system.
• It demonstrates high sensitivity for target microRNAs, enabling effective detection even in complex biological samples.
• The platform exhibits remarkable capability to distinguish sequences with single-nucleotide mismatches.
• Stable and reliable performance was observed in serum samples and lysates from various tumor cells.
• The approach combines signal amplification with the CRISPR system, potentially enhancing specificity in miRNA detection.

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