TAGRA 2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease requiring early diagnosis for effective intervention. Current diagnostic methods, such as MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, are costly, time-consuming, and lack sufficient sensitivity for early detection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), particularly miR-145 and miR-326, have emerged as promising biomarkers due to their differential expression in MS patients and stability in circulating biofluids. This study aims to develop a novel electrochemical biosensor for the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of these miRNAs in serum samples. The biosensor is constructed using a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles, functionalized with thiolated probes for miR-145 and miR-326. Detection is achieved via hybridization-induced changes in methylene blue redox current. The biosensor demonstrates high sensitivity, detecting target miRNAs at femtomolar concentrations, and excellent specificity in distinguishing miR-145 and miR-326 from homologous miRNAs. Validation in spiked human serum confirms its potential for clinical application. This non-invasive, cost-effective platform offers a significant advancement towards point-of-care MS diagnostics, enabling earlier and more accurate disease monitoring.