Researchers have developed a paper-based analytical device designed for rapid and highly sensitive detection of miRNA-21, a microRNA strongly associated with the initiation and progression of multiple solid tumors, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancers.
Published in Systems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing, the work focuses on overcoming the limitations of conventional methods such as quantitative PCR and microarray analysis, which require specialized instrumentation, trained personnel, and extended processing times, making them less suitable for point-of-care or resource-limited settings.
Nanozyme-powered colorimetric detection
The core of the diagnostic platform is a microfluidic paper-based analytical device that uses synthesized Au@Pt nanoparticles with peroxidase-mimicking (nanozyme) activity. These nanozymes catalyze the oxidation of 3,3ʹ,5,5ʹ-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), producing a distinct blue color signal that indicates the presence of target miRNA.
The system demonstrated strong analytical performance, with a broad linear detection range spanning 1 to 2,000 nmol/L and a low detection limit of 0.25 nmol/L. This sensitivity supports its potential use in detecting clinically relevant changes in miRNA expression.
High specificity in complex samples
The device also showed strong specificity, successfully distinguishing miRNA-21 from closely related miRNA sequences. Importantly, it maintained reliable performance in spiked human serum samples, indicating potential applicability in biologically relevant matrices rather than only controlled laboratory conditions.
Toward accessible cancer diagnostics
The researchers report that the platform could support cost-effective, rapid cancer diagnostics and miRNA expression profiling at the point of care. The paper-based format is compatible with portable readout approaches, including smartphone-based detection as suggested by the study’s application scope.
The study, titled “Nanozyme-catalytic colorimetric microfluidic paper-based analytical device for rapid detection of miRNA-21,” was published in Systems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing on March 17, 2026. It highlights nanozyme-enabled paper diagnostics as a promising direction for expanding accessible molecular testing beyond centralized laboratories.
Note: This news summary was generated by AI based on a published press release, followed by a review from human editors.
