Activated DNA Nanoprobes for Biosensing and Precision Imaging of MicroRNA in Living Cells

The identification and detection of new biomarkers have promoted the rapid development of high- performance detection technologies. MicroRNA (miRNA) has gradually become a specific biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and the detection of disease -related miRNA is of great significance for improving the accuracy of disease diagnosis. In recent years, DNA fluorescent nanoprobes have gradually become an effective tool for monitoring and analyzing miRNA and dynamic changes in cells and organisms. However, traditional DNA nanoprobes are limited in obtaining high precision and resolution imaging signals due to the interference of biological autofluorescence, off -target effect and lack of temporal and spatial control. Activated DNA nanoprobes, as a newly developed paradigm, have demonstrated good potential to overcome these limitations by modulating the imaging and sensing properties through exogenous or endogenous factors. Here, we reviewed the recent progress in the design and construction of activated DNA nanoprobes and the improvement of miRNA bioimaging and sensing performance in complex biological systems, as well as the development prospects and challenges of activated DNA nanoprobes.