DNA Nanostructure Disintegration-Assisted SPAAC Ligation for Electrochemical Biosensing

Abstract

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The development of reliable assays is an urgent pursuit. We herein fabricate a novel electrochemical sensing strategy based on the conformation transitions of DNA nanostructures and click chemistry. Duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-catalyzed reaction is first used for the disintegration of the DNA triangular pyramid frustum (DNA TPF). A DNA triangle is formed, which in turn assists strain-promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) to localize single-stranded DNA probes (P1). After SPAAC ligation, multiple DNA hairpins are spontaneously folded, and the labeled electrochemical species are dragged near the electrode interface. By recording and analyzing the responses, a highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor is established, which exhibits high sensitivity and reproducibility. Clinical applications have been verified with good stability. This sensing strategy relies on the integration of DNA nanostructures and click chemistry, which may inspire further designs for the development of DNA nanotechnology and applications in clinical chemistry.