Specific and sensitive detection with nucleic and sensors

The adaptability and modifiability of nucleic acid structures endow them with distinct advantages in biosensor applications. Nonetheless, improving the accuracy and precision of detection remains a major challenge. Our goal is to create a biosensor system that is highly specific and sensitive by harnessing the customizable and targetable properties of nucleic acids. Initially, Capture-SELEX technique was utilized to isolate DNA aptamers of specifically recognizing small chemical molecules, resulting in versatile probes with fluorescence activation and nuclease activities. Additionally, we engineered a miniaturized six-helix DNA nanopore to enhance the detection sensitivity of trace miRNA. Despite encountering the limited insertion efficiency and conductance overlap, we integrated DNA origami technology to improve the binding efficiency and significantly enhance the detection sensitivity. Ultimately, we believe that the proposed sensing strategy would provide a valuable research paradigm for other nucleic acid-relevant target analysis.