Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
DOI
10.3390/bios15060364
Publication Title
Biosensors
Volume
15
Issue
6
Pages
364 (1-13)
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. The early detection of aggressive forms is critical. Current diagnostic methods, including PSA testing and biopsies, are invasive and often yield false results. MicroRNA-141 (miRNA-141) has emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker due to its elevated levels in the urine of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Here, a low-cost, paper-based electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive detection of miRNA-141 in synthetic urine is reported. The device employs inkjet-printed gold electrodes on photopaper, functionalized with thiolated single-stranded DNA-141 capture probes for specific target recognition. The biosensor achieves a sensitivity of 78.66 fM µA−¹ cm−² and a linear detection range of 1 fM to 100 nM, encompassing clinically relevant concentrations of miRNA-141 found in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. A low limit of detection of 2.15 fM, strong selectivity against non-target sequences, and a rapid response time of 15 min further highlight the diagnostic potential of the device. This platform represents a significant advancement in the development of point-of-care diagnostic tools for prostate cancer and is readily adaptable for detecting other disease-specific miRNAs through simple probe modification. As such, it holds broad promise for accessible, early-stage cancer detection and longitudinal disease monitoring in diverse clinical settings.
Original Publication Citation
Hunt, A., & Slaughter, G. (2025). Electrochemical detection of prostate cancer—associated miRNA-141 using a low-cost disposable biosensor. Biosensors, 15(6), 1-13, Article 364. https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15060364
Repository Citation
Hunt, A., & Slaughter, G. (2025). Electrochemical detection of prostate cancer—associated miRNA-141 using a low-cost disposable biosensor. Biosensors, 15(6), 1-13, Article 364. https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15060364
ORCID
0000-0002-4307-091X (Slaughter)
Supplementary Material
Included in
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Biochemistry Commons, Oncology Commons
Comments
Data availability statement: Article states: "Data is contained within the article or Supplementary Materials."