Vertically encoded tetragonal hydrogel microparticles for multiplexed detection of miRNAs associated with Alzheimer's disease

Encoded hydrogel particles have attracted attention in diagnostics as these particles can be used for high-performance multiplexed assays. Here, we present encoded tetragonal hydrogel microparticles for multiplexed detection of miRNAs that are strongly related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The particles are comprised of vertically distinct code and probe regions, and incorporated with quantum dots (QDs) in the code regions. By virtue of the particle geometry, the particles can be synthesized at a high production rate in vertically stacked micro-flows using hydrodynamic focusing lithography. To detect multiple AD-miRNAs, various code labels to identify the loaded probes are designed by changing wavelengths of QDs, increasing the number of code layers and adjusting the thickness of code layers. The probe regions are incorporated with complementary sequences of target miRNAs, and optimized for accurate and timely detection of AD-miRNAs. For proof of concept, we demonstrate the multiplexed capability of the particles by performing a 3-plexed assay of AD-miRNAs.