▎ 摘 要
We developed a sensor for the detection of specific microRNA (miRNA) sequences that was based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and ssDNA-UCNP@SiO2. The proposed sensor exploits the interaction between the sp(2) carbon atoms of the GQD, mainly pi-pi stacking, and the DNA nucleobases anchored on the upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). This interaction brings the GQD to the surface of the ssDNA-UCNP@SiO2 system, enhancing the upconversion emission. On the other hand, hybridization of the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) chains anchored on the nanoparticles with their complementary miRNA sequences blocks the capacity of the UCNPs to interact with the GQD through pi-pi stacking. That gives as result a reduction of the fluorescent enhancement, which is dependent on the concentration of miRNA sequences. This effect was used to create a sensor for miRNA sequences with a detection limit of 10 fM.