NANJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists have developed a new method for microRNAs (miRNA) detection, which can contribute to the early detection and diagnosis of various types of cancer.

MiRNA is a type of non-coding small RNA that is the key regulator of gene expression. Abnormal expression of certain miRNA always occurs in pathological cells, and reliable detection methods are thus in urgent need.

Researchers from the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology of Chinese Academy of Sciences have proposed a radiometric sensing strategy for sensitive and selective detection of miRNA by coupling chameleon silver nanoclusters with a hybridization chain reaction.

"Not only can the new method detect miRNAs in blood samples, it, combined with imageology inspection, can also indicate the specific locations of lesions," said Miao Peng, head of the research team.

Compared with other detection methods, the newly proposed one has better analytical performance and is easier to operate, Miao added.

The findings of the research have been published on the issue of Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical.