A NIR light gated targeting nanoprobe based on DNA-modified upconversion nanoparticles with antifouling properties for ratiometric detection and imaging of microRNA-21

• Published in: Analytica chimica acta 2022-12, Vol.1235, p.340554-340554, Article 340554
• Main Authors: Gong, Yan, Yuan, Wei, Song, Fuxiang, Zhang, Qian, Zhang, Peng, Ding, Caifeng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antifouling; FRET; microRNA-21; Ratiometric luminescence; Upconversion nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0003-2670; 1873-4324
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340554

The overexpression of microRNA-21 is closely related to many human diseases, so the development of probes for this bio-marker will contribute to the diagnosis. In this scheme, a novel ratiometric upconversion nanoprobe based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was developed for the analysis of microRNA-21. This nanosystem is composed of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), PEG with antifouling performance and targeted folic acid (FA). Er3+ doped UCNPs were used as energy donors and carboxy-X-rhodamine (ROX) acted as energy receptors. MicroRNA-21 was visually analyzed by ratiometric upconversion luminescence (548 nm/616 nm), and the limit of detection (LOD) was quantified to be 9.95 pM. This nanocomposite can not only realize the detection and imaging for microRNA-21 in cells, but also visualize microRNA-21 level in vivo by upconversion luminescence due to the deep tissue penetration of UCNPs. [Display omitted] •A novel ratiometric upconversion nanoprobe based on FRET was developed for the determination of microRNA-21.•The nanocomposite shows excellent water solubility with antifouling properties by inducing PEG.•The surface of the nanocomposite was modified with folic acid, which could selectively target MCF-7 cells.•MicroRNA-21 can be analyzed by ratiometric upconversion luminescence with a LOD of 9.95 pM.•The nanocomposite could detect and image microRNA-21 in living cells and in vivo.