Work

Ultrafast and specific miRNA quantification via single-molecule fluorescence quenching kinetics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Rapid and precise detection of multiple nucleic acid biomarkers is crucial for the development of clinically practical molecular diagnostics. The analytic specificity of biomarker detection can be greatly enhanced by utilizing the information of single-molecule probe binding kinetics. However, existing single-molecule fluorescence methods require up to 10 minutes per biomarker due to the slow binding rates of detection probes to their targets. To enable high-throughput profiling of multiple biomarkers within a short timeframe, faster detection techniques are essential. Here, we introduce Q-FISH (Quenching-based Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization), a technology capable of detecting nucleic acid biomarkers in sub-second timeframes—achieving speeds over 600 times faster than the previously reported methods. Using Q-FISH, we demonstrated the rapid discrimination of highly homologous miRNAs and the precise quantification of endogenous miRNAs. Single-molecule fluorescence quenching dynamics enable more than a 600-fold increase in miRNA detection speed, allowing ultra-fast and highly specific identification of multiple miRNAs within seconds.

Source: Communications Biology

DOI: 10.1038/s42003-026-09714-8

Authors: Juyoung Kim, Sungchul Hohng

Institution: Seoul National University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,190

Funders: National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea