Nanopore-based enzyme-assisted biomarker detection method for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH), yet early diagnosis remains challenging due to overlapping clinical features and limited detection sensitivity. Herein, we present a nanopore-based enzyme-assisted biomarker detection method for the simultaneous analysis of microRNA and protein biomarkers, enabling enhanced diagnostic capability of COPD and COPD-associated PH. In this strategy, miR-150-5p serves as an indicator of COPD onset, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF₁₆₅) reflects pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH progression. By coupling enzyme-assisted signal transduction with α-hemolysin nanopore sensing, conventional immunoassay signals are converted into characteristic ionic current signatures with single-molecule sensitivity. The assay achieves detection limits of 10.0 fM for miR-150-5p and 10.0 fg/mL for VEGF₁₆₅. This work establishes a unified and highly sensitive platform for dual-biomarker detection, offering a promising approach for early diagnosis and precise evaluation of COPD and its complications