Development of a rapid, sensitive and easy to use point of care assay for detection of circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is of great importance. These biomolecules possess the ability to regulate vital cellular processes and act as biomarkers for various human non-communicable diseases. The present work aimed to develop a simplified and reliable cytometric fluorescence-based approach for precise recognition of circulating lncRNAs in a given sample using biotinylated uracil-modified oligonucleotide tethered AlexaFluor488-labeled streptavidin gold colloidal (BiO-StrAG) nano-conjugates. The fluorophores in close proximity to the gold nanoparticles result in quenching of fluorescence; however, specific recognition of target lncRNAs increases this distance which causes plasmonic enhancement of fluorescence. As per the flow cytometry and fluorometry investigations, the developed methodology provides a precise and sensitive approach for detection of the target lncRNAs (up to 5 nM in any given sample). With advantages of high selectivity and feasibility, our strategy offers great potential of being developed as a promising tool for interrogating aberrant regulation of lncRNAs functions, especially indicated in various diseased states.

开发用于检测循环长非编码 RNA (lncRNA) 的快速、灵敏且易于使用的即时检测方法非常重要。这些生物分子具有调节重要细胞过程的能力，并作为各种人类非传染性疾病的生物标志物。目前的工作旨在开发一种简化且可靠的基于细胞计数荧光的方法，用于使用生物素化的尿嘧啶修饰的寡核苷酸连接的 AlexaFluor488 标记的链霉抗生物素金胶体 (BiO-StrAG) 纳米偶联物精确识别给定样品中的循环 lncRNA。靠近金纳米颗粒的荧光团导致荧光猝灭；然而，对目标 lncRNA 的特异性识别会增加这个距离，从而导致荧光的等离子体增强。根据流式细胞术和荧光法研究，开发的方法为检测目标 lncRNA（任何给定样品中高达 5 nM）提供了一种精确和灵敏的方法。凭借高选择性和可行性的优势，我们的策略提供了巨大的潜力，可以作为一种很有前途的工具来研究 lncRNAs 功能的异常调节，特别是在各种疾病状态下。