Novel copper superparticle-based Bragg scattering coupling luminescence strategy for detection of ginseng exosomal miRNA

Researchers at Jilin University have developed an innovative approach to study exosomes, tiny extracellular vesicles released by ginseng, which carry important bioactive molecules. These vesicles, including ginseng exosomes (Gexos) and exosome-like nanoparticles (GENs), play a key role in the biological activity of ginseng, but studying their contents has been challenging.

To accomplish this, the team created a highly sensitive biosensor using a photonic crystal-based Bragg scattering coupling electrochemiluminescence (BSC-ECL) strategy. They engineered copper nanoclusters into copper superparticles through a ligand-mediated self-assembly method, giving them stronger and more stable luminescence. When combined with the Bragg scattering effect of photonic crystals, this system amplified the luminescence signals, allowing accurate detection of miRNA396a-3p within the ginseng extracellular vesicles.

The results revealed measurable differences in miRNA concentrations between GENs and Gexos, providing a new tool for plant extracellular vesicle analysis. This method has the potential to improve ginseng quality control, aid in product development, and advance bioanalytical research involving plant-derived extracellular vesicles.