Shamsian Samaneh, Siddique Abu Bakar, Kordzadeh-Kermani Vahid, de la Vega Tejuca Luna, Falcone Francisco, Ray Mallar, Ashrafizadeh Seyed Nezameddin, Chapa Sergio Omar Martínez, Madou Marc J, Madadelahi Masoud
School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, NL, Mexico.
Department of Electrical, Electronic and Communication Engineering and the Institute of Smart Cities, Public University of Navarre (UPNA), 31006, Pamplona, Spain.
Microsyst Nanoeng. 2025 Jun 19;11(1):127. doi: 10.1038/s41378-025-00898-3.
As a popular process in molecular-based diagnostics, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be employed for amplifying small amounts of DNA/RNA from different sources such as tissue, cells, peripheral blood and so on. Thanks to the unique physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials and their progress, researchers have been encouraged to employ them as suitable candidates to address the PCR optimization challenges for enhancing efficiency, yield, specificity, and sensitivity. In nanoparticle-assisted PCR (nanoPCR), different nanoparticles (NPs) such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, quantum dots (QDs), and gold (Au) might be used. Among different nanoPCR assays, photothermal PCR has emerged as a technique leveraging the excellent light absorption and heat conversion capabilities of nanomaterials. In addition to presenting recent advances in nanoPCR, this review also delves into the specific use of nanomaterials for photothermal PCR, including their applications in microfluidics as one of the best platforms for miniaturization of diagnostic techniques. Different types of NPs used in PCR are comprehensively examined, and detailed charts and tables are provided that outline features such as optimal concentration and size. The appropriate choice of nanomaterials for enhancing light conversion to heat in PCR applications is discussed. Finally, the related challenges and future trends are explored.
作为分子诊断中的一种常用技术，聚合酶链反应（PCR）可用于扩增来自不同来源（如组织、细胞、外周血等）的少量DNA/RNA。由于纳米材料独特的物理化学特性及其发展，研究人员受到鼓舞，将其作为解决PCR优化挑战以提高效率、产量、特异性和灵敏度的合适候选材料。在纳米颗粒辅助PCR（nanoPCR）中，可能会使用不同的纳米颗粒（NPs），如碳纳米管（CNTs）、石墨烯、量子点（QDs）和金（Au）。在不同的nanoPCR检测方法中，光热PCR已成为一种利用纳米材料优异光吸收和热转换能力的技术。除了介绍nanoPCR的最新进展外，本综述还深入探讨了纳米材料在光热PCR中的具体应用，包括它们在微流控技术中的应用，微流控技术是诊断技术小型化的最佳平台之一。全面研究了PCR中使用的不同类型的NPs，并提供了详细的图表，概述了最佳浓度和尺寸等特征。讨论了在PCR应用中增强光转化为热的纳米材料的合适选择。最后，探讨了相关挑战和未来趋势。
