RNA-Modified Graphene Oxide-Encapsulated Gold Nanoparticles-Based Stable Fiber Optic MiRNA-126 Sensor

A stable fiber optic miRNA-126 sensor based on ribonucleic acid (RNA)-modified graphene oxide (GO)-encapsulated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed. Experiments and characterization showed that the detection of miRNA-126 by this sensor was based on the localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) effect rather than the refractive index response. RNA probes 1 (RNAp1) and 2 (RNAp2) complementary paired with miRNA-126 bases were designed and synthesized, and the RNA probes were immobilized in GO-AuNPs-functionalized fiber optic sensing probes using a salt aging method. The zeta potential and colorimetric analysis of the composite nanoparticles indicated that the GO improved the stability of GO-AuNPs. The fiber optic sensor was able to quantitatively detect miRNA-126 and showed good selectivity, providing a new idea for miRNA detection.