Impedimetric detection of miRNA biomarkers using paper-based electrodes modified with bulk crystals or nanosheets of molybdenum disulfide

Paper-based electrodes modified with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in the form of bulk crystals or exfoliated nanosheets were developed and used as a biosensing platform for the impedimetric detection of miRNAs (miRNA-155 and miRNA-21) related to early diagnosis of lung cancer. For this purpose, MoS2 crystals or nanosheets were used for the modification of the working electrode area of paper-based platform for the first time in this study. The proposed assay offers sensitive and selective detection of microRNAs by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. The entire assay, both the electrode modification and the miRNA detection being completed in 30 min and a single sample droplet (5 μL) was enough to cover working electrode area which enabled analysis in low sample volumes. The limits of detection (LOD) for miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 were calculated both in buffer and fetal bovine serum media. It is found that the LOD is varying between 1 and 200 ng/mL. In comparison to nanosheets, a larger electroactive surface area was obtained with bulk MoS2 resulting in lower LOD values on miRNA detection. The paper-based electrodes showed high specificity towards their target sequences. Moreover, they effectively discriminated single base mismatched non-target sequences. The advantages of these MoS2 paper based electrodes include high sensitivity, and low-cost provide great potential for improved monitoring of miRNA biomarkers even in artificial serum media. [Display omitted] •MoS2 crystals and MoS2 nanosheets modified paper-based electrodes were developed.•Impedimetric detection of miRNAs for early diagnosis of lung cancer was performed.•All assay, electrode modification and miRNA detection being completed in 30 min.•The lowest LOD for miRNA-155 in FBS medium was found to be 1 ng/mL by MoS2 modified electrode.•Biosensor design enabled analysis in low sample volume i.e 5 μL.