A new method for improving the accuracy of miRNA detection with NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which play a central role in gene expression regulation and have been considered as excellent biomarker candidates for clinical diagnosis and prognosis. So far, many miRNAs detection methods require polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification following reverse transcription of miRNAs. These processes are complicated and time-consuming. In this work, we have developed a simpler method for miRNA detection based on base stacking hybridization happening on the surface of NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles. In this method, the fluorescence of NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles were functionalized as a reference standard, which can improve the accuracy of miRNA detection. On the basis of these findings, we suggest this novel approach for miRNA detection could be applied as an accurate and specific technique for miRNAs detection.