Current trends and advances in nanozyme-enabled miRNA (bio)sensing: Classification, activity and application

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a prominent role in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression and are extensively involved in various cellular and developmental processes. Dysregulation of miRNA levels can disrupt normal gene regulation, potentially leading to a variety of human diseases including cancer. Thus, it is of paramount importance to develop accurate, rapid, and sensitive determination techniques for miRNA analysis. Because of their more robust activity, simpler preparation procedures, lower cost, higher stability, and higher recycling efficiency in comparison with that of natural enzymes, nanozymes have recently emerged as a favorable substitute for natural enzymes for the development of biosensors designed for the analysis of miRNAs. Driven by this, significant attempts have been dedicated to the advancement of nanozyme-enabled miRNA biosensors. This review provides a thorough summary and analysis of the catalytic mechanisms, structural classifications, and functions of nanozymes in the development of biosensors. This paper emphatically presents the practical applications of nanozyme-enabled biosensors, emphasizing their advantages in terms of on-site detection capabilities, ease of operation, and cost-effectiveness, including both electrochemical and optical biosensors. Ultimately, the primary challenges and prospective future trends are examined, which may offer theoretical insights for the application of nanozyme-based biosensors in miRNA detection.