Circulating microRNA as a potential biomarker and its nanotechnology based detection methods: A literature review

Micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) is single-stranded RNAs that play a key role in gene regulation and development. The origin and precise activities of miRNAs have been uncovered in recent years, with an emphasis on their potential applications in the research field. Thus, miRNAs are promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers especially disease specific biomarker.  Traditional methods for detection of miRNA lack sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, novel nanotechnology-based methods to detect microRNA have been developed. This literature review provides an overview of cutting edge nano approaches that have been used to identify distinct miRNA biomarkers. To date, no single or panel of miRNA marker has been developed for clinical application. Therefore, further research is needed on the detection of multiple miRNA biomarkers to diagnose various diseases at an early stage using nanotechnology.