PNA-Based Porous Silicon Biosensor: Towards a Label-Free Optical Assay for Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is disrupted, resulting in tissue damage. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes1. Among the various diagnostic approaches, oligonucleotide-based bioprobes are frequently employed as bioreceptors due to their tunable affinity and specificity for targets. However, the use of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) in this role presents unique challenges. Although PNAs exhibit superior complementary base pairing compared to DNA or RNA, their distinct structural characteristics limit their ability to replicate diverse binding modes. Nevertheless, their remarkable stability and unique charge distribution offer significant potential for creating effective sensing bioreceptors2. Oligonucleotide-based biosensors, particularly those utilizing PNAs, represent a promising frontier in the diagnosis of MI through the detection of troponin, a crucial biomarker for early diagnosis. These biosensors can be engineered for rapid and precise responses, enabling timely interventions and significantly improving clinical outcomes. With their potential to develop innovative diagnostic devices, PNA-based biosensors are essential tools in addressing current challenges in MI detection, ultimately contributing to saving lives and transforming clinical practices. In this context, we are developing an optical label-free PNA-based porous silicon biosensor as a proof-of-concept device aimed at the early detection of MI. This innovative approach combines the advantages of PNA technology with the urgent need for rapid and accurate MI diagnostics, representing a promising advancement in this field.