Electrochemical Biosensors for miRNA Detection

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are intensely studied as candidates for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. They are naturally occurring small RNAs (approximately 22 nucleotides in length) that act as regulators of protein translation. Because many diseases are caused by the misregulated activity of proteins, miRNAs have been implicated in a number of diseases including a broad range of cancers, heart disease, and immunological and neurological diseases. A great deal of effort, therefore, has been devoted to developing analytical methods for miRNA analysis. The consideration when selecting existing or designing new methods for miRNA analysis includes sensitivity and multiplexing capability without PCR. In this chapter, novel electrochemical strategies for miRNA detection and quantification will be reviewed.