Tetrahedral DNA Nanoconjugates for Simultaneous Measurement of Telomerase Activity and miRNA

In this study, a tetrahedral DNA nanostructure was first self-assembled; this was then conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carbon nanodots (CDs). The fabricated nanocomposites allow simultaneous analysis of telomerase activity and miRNA with dual fluorescence channels. By further introducing an iRGD peptide sequence, the nanoconjuates can be conveniently transferred inside living cells for in situ imaging. The analytical performances and anti-jamming capabilities are excellent. Meanwhile, the materials are highly biocompatible for intracellular applications. Therefore, the proposed biosystem shows great promise as a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of the dual biomarkers. The strategy can also be further exploited as a versatile platform for in situ detection of many other targets for early disease diagnosis.

Automated summary

A tetrahedral DNA nanostructure was assembled in this study, conjugated with gold nanoparticles and carbon nanodots for dual fluorescence channel analysis of telomerase activity and miRNA. The addition of an iRGD peptide sequence allowed for easy transfer of the nanoconjugates inside living cells for in situ imaging. The materials showed excellent analytical performance, anti-jamming capabilities, and high biocompatibility. This biosystem has potential for quantitative analysis of dual biomarkers and as a versatile platform for in situ detection of various targets for early disease diagnosis.