The miRNA Plate Assay allows for the direct analysis of miRNA without the need for cDNA conversion. In this assay, the target miRNA molecule is flanked by a capture oligo and a biotinylated detection oligo, bridged by two additional oligos. One bridge oligo is partially hybridized with the miRNA and the capture oligo, while the other is hybridized with both the miRNA and the detection oligo.

​

This hybridization is immobilized onto a plate through the interaction with an immobilized oligo and detected using streptavidin-HRP conjugate and a chemiluminescent substrate.

​

Unlike the Northern Blot Assay, the miRNA Plate Assay is highly sensitive and can detect even small sequence differences between miRNA isoforms. A single nucleotide difference will block hybrid formation, enabling precise differentiation of miRNA isoforms. Additionally, this assay offers 100 times more sensitivity than the traditional Northern Blot, making it ideal for detecting low-abundance miRNAs.