Label-free detection of nucleic acids such as microRNAs holds great potential for early diagnostics of various types of cancers, but insufficient detection limits hamper applicability. Here, the authors use nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to measure the intrinsic magnetic noise of paramagnetic counter ions interacting with microRNAs, lowering the detection limit to ~23 miR-21s.
- Justas Zalieckas
- Martin M. Greve
- Riccardo Nifosì
