DNA‐Gated N‐CDs@SiO2 Nanoparticles‐Based Biosensor for MUC1 Detection

Abstract

AbstractThe ultrasensitive detection of mucin1 (MUC1), a typical breast cancer marker, is of great significance for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Here, a biosensor based on DNA‐gated nitrogen‐doped carbon quantum dots‐loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DNA‐gated N‐CDs@SiO2 NPs) for highly sensitive detection of MUC1 were reported. The preparation process and properties of DNA‐gated N‐CDs@SiO2 NPs were characterized in detail. Results of experiments of detection of MUC1 and cell imaging indicate that the biosensor with MUC1‐specific DNA sequence is beneficial for selective detection of MUC1 by MUC1‐triggered unlocking of DNA gate and controlled release of N‐CDs. The biosensor exhibits satisfactory results with a low detection limit of 10 nM and good specificity, as well as MUC1‐positive cell imaging performance, demonstrating the potential for MUC1 detection, which provides a new method for early screening and diagnosis of breast cancer diseases.