Nucleic acid probe-functionalized self-powered sensor for detection of biomarkers in clinical urine samples

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based self-powered biosensors can reduce ecological risks from energy storage device disposal and complex electronics manufacturing, offering cost-effective and eco-friendly diagnostic methods. However, in the intricate charge environment of urine, existing devices are difficult to specifically capture targets and produce recognizable changes in surface charge and the resulting electrical signals, leading to insufficient detection specificity and sensitivity. Herein, for the first time, the problem is addressed by a TENG-based self-powered sensor for clinical urine detection. Self-charged nucleic acid probe modification and targeted conformational change induce specific surface charge variation; regulating system ionic strength matches Debye length with probe conformational scale to maximize this variation. A double-electrode device efficiently converts surface charge changes into distinct output signals, boosting sensing performance in intricate charged environments. This sensor achieves sensitive detection of ATP (269 pM) and miR-21 (328 pM) in artificial urine, effectively monitors urinary ATP elevation in cystitis patients, showing potential for low-cost, easy-to-operate home health monitoring, promoting health equity.