Graphene / MoS2 heterostructures for DNA detection

Researchers have fabricated a graphene/MoS₂ heterostructure for label-free selective detection of DNA hybridization. The graphene protected the MoS₂ from ambient moisture and oxygen and acted as a biocompatible host for the DNA molecules.  The photoluminescence intensity from the MoS₂ layer increased with increased concentration of target DNA. The differentiation of complementary and one-base mismatched DNA with the graphene/MoS₂ heterostructure could be performed at a concentration as low as 1 attomole.

Graphene/MoS2 Heterostructures for Ultrasensitive Detection of DNA Hybridisation; P.T.K. Loan et al, Advanced Materials; DOI: 10.1002/adma.201401084

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201401084/abstract 

Micro-RNA sensor for cancer diagnostics

Micro-RNA-21 is overexpressed in many cancers.  A new magnetobiosensor selectively detected micro-RNA-21 at low concentrations in cancer cells and tissue samples. RNA plant-virus proteins tethered to magnetic beads captured DNA duplexes formed by adding anti-Micro-RNA-21 to the Micro-RNA-21-containing samples.  Beads were captured on screen-printed electrodes for electrochemical detection of microRNA. 

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.201403270/full

Magnetobiosensors based on viral protein p19 for micro-RNA

determination in cancer cells and tissues; S. Campuzano et al; Angewandte Chemie International Edition, DOI: 10.1002/anie.201403270 

Gene delivery at the bionic interface

Researchers report that intense electrical signals from the electrode array forming the interface between cochlear implant and cochlea stimulate gene delivery by electroporation.  Mesenchymal cells were transfected with genes which generated brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulating neurite growth and improving neurite-electrode contact.  This more integrated interface could improve hearing dynamic range. 

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/6/233/233ra54.full

Close-Field Electroporation Gene Delivery Using the Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Enhances the Bionic Ear; J.L.Pinyon et al; Science Translational Medicine; 23 April 2014: 

Vol. 6, Issue 233, p. 233ra54. 

Nano-factories of DNA for safer gene delivery

Traditional gene carriers are cationic to allow efficient loading with anionic genes but these carriers are toxic limiting clinical applications.  Now researchers report neutral liposomes containing DNA and PCR components which amplify the DNA.  Transfection rates are similar to the traditional cationic vectors, but cell viability significantly improved.

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1021/nn501106a

DNA amplification in neutral liposomes for safe and efficient gene delivery; S. Lee et al; ACS Nano Just Accepted Manuscript; DOI: 10.1021/nn501106a