Protein-Free Biosensor Detects HPV-18 mRNA with Picomolar Sensitivity Using MNAzyme-Driven Catalytic Hairpin Assembly

A new protein-free colorimetric biosensor can detect human papillomavirus 18 (HPV-18) mRNA with high sensitivity through a MNAzyme-driven catalytic hairpin assembly. The biosensor relies on the catalytic activity of MNAzyme to trigger a chain reaction that amplifies the signal, allowing for the detection of minute amounts of the target mRNA.

The biosensor works by using MNAzyme, a DNAzyme that cleaves RNA, to initiate a catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction. In the presence of HPV-18 mRNA, the MNAzyme cleaves a specific RNA substrate, which then triggers the opening of hairpin structures. This opening releases single-stranded DNA that can then hybridize with complementary DNA strands attached to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The hybridization causes the AuNPs to aggregate, resulting in a color change that can be easily detected with the naked eye or with a spectrophotometer. Researchers found that the biosensor exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for HPV-18 mRNA, with a detection limit in the picomolar range. The biosensor also showed good performance in complex biological samples, suggesting its potential for clinical diagnostics.

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Source: GO-AI-ne1

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Date: May 11, 2026

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GOAI