Triple signal amplification strategy for the ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of human papillomavirus 16 E6/E7 mRNA

Abstract

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the primary causative agent of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection has been proven to improve the specificity and positive predictive value compared with HPV DNA testing in screening, whereby, it may possess higher diagnostic potential. Herein, to establish the ultrasensitive and specific detection of HPV E6/E7 mRNA, we developed a novel triple signal amplification strategy, combined with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and high affinity biotin-avidin system. This novel proposed signal amplification strategy exhibits the desired detection limit of 0.08 fM (approximately 100 copies) and a wide linear range from 0.1 pmol/mL to 100 nmol/mL for HPV16 E6/E7 mRNA detection. Importantly, the present novel biosensor is 10–100 times more sensitive than conventional RT-PCR in detecting HPV16 E6/E7 mRNA positive clinical samples. Conclusively, this biosensor shows good stability, selectivity, and reproducibility, which demonstrates its potential in future clinical diagnosis with desirable sensitivity and specificity.