Multiplex metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF) effect on porous Au nanorod for highly sensitive multi-microRNA (miRNA) detection

MicroRNA (miRNA) is an important biomarker for early diagnosis or progression of a disease because the type and amount of its release can vary depending on the type or condition of the cell. However, since microRNAs exist at low concentrations in the body with several microRNAs released, it is necessary to develop a biosensor that can sensitively measure multiple miRNAs. In this study, a metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF)-based highly sensitive nanobiosensor for measuring multiple miRNAs was developed. To extend the plasmonic-based MEF phenomenon to fluorescent materials with various emission wavelengths, porous gold (Au) nanorods with a wide absorption wavelength were synthesized. Using this, two different miRNAs were simultaneously measured sensitively and selectively. The proposed sensing method is a highly sensitive, rapid, simple, and one-step way for multiplex detection of miRNAs. It can be used for early diagnosis of cancer and other nucleic acid-related diseases.