MicroRNA biosensors for the detection of liver cancer

•Several studies have reported changes in microRNAs including miR-21, -31, -122, -145, -146a, -200c, -221, -222, and -223 in liver cancer.•Advanced nanomaterials with unique properties such as good chemical stability, conductivity, and electrocatalytic activity for the detection of miRNAs reported promising results in increasing the sensitivity and reducing the detection limit of the target.•the known miRNAs are not specific to a single pathology, special attention should be paid to the development of electrochemical biosensors dedicated to the simultaneous quantification of a group of miRNAs to facilitate cancer diagnosis. Liver cancer is one of the deadliest types worldwide and early diagnosis is highly important for successful treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop rapid, sensitive, simple, and inexpensive analytical tools for its detection. MicroRNAs (miRNA) represent unique biomarkers whose expression in biofluids is strongly associated with cancer in general and miR-21, -31, -122, -145, -146a, -200c, -221, -222, and -223 in liver cancer, specifically. Various biosensors for miRNA detection have been developed. These include electrochemical biosensors based on amperometric, potentiometric, conductometric and impedimetric technology. Furthermore, the use of advanced nanomaterials with enhanced chemical stability, conductivity and electrocatalytic activity have greatly increased the sensitivity and specificity of these devices. The present review focuses on recent advances in electrochemical biosensors for miRNA detection in liver cancer.