Detection of microRNA biomarkers via inhibition of DNA-mediated liposome fusion.

We report the specific and sensitive detection of microRNA using an inverse DNA-mediated liposome fusion assay. This assay is homogeneous, and does not require washing, separation, or enzyme-associated amplification steps. By fine-tuning the surface functionalisation of the liposomes, liposome concentration, and assay temperature, we demonstrated a sub-nanomolar limit of detection for the target.