One-step enzyme-free detection of the miRNA let-7a via twin-stage signal amplification

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in diverse biological processes. The abnormal expression of miRNAs is related to the development of cancers and various diseases. It is of great importance to sensitively and accurately detect miRNAs for early disease diagnosis and treatment. Here, a new fluorescence strategy was initially proposed for the enzyme-free sensing of let-7a by combining the strand displacement reaction (SDR) with the hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The sensor was successfully applied to the detection of the let-7a gene with a wide linear range from 25 pM to 250 nM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.01 pM. The fluorescence intensity has a good linear relationship with the logarithm of the target concentration. In addition, the biosensor allowed for the highly sensitive detection of the target genes even in complex human serum samples. With simple operation yet improved detection capability for let-7a, the developed fluorescent biosensor thus shows great potential for early clinical diagnosis as well as biological research. [Display omitted] •An enzyme-free fluorescent sensing system was proposed for the detection of the miRNA Let-7a.•The one-step fluorescent detection of the miRNA Let-7a can be realized via twin-stage signal amplification.•Ultrasensitive enzyme-free fluorescent detection limit of Let-7a was estimated to be as low as 9.01 pM.•The biosensor has good specificity and excellent detection capabilities in a complex substrate environment.