A novel mussel‐inspired photonic crystal (PhC) barcode with graphene oxide (GO) encapsulation are presented for the multiplex miRNAs detection. The GO‐based hybridization chain reaction (HCR) strategy can realize low abundance and high sensitivity miRNA quantification. At the same time, multiplex detection can be achieved by employing different GO‐decorated PhC barcodes with high accuracy and reproducibility. Abstract Multiplexed microRNA (miRNA) quantification has a demonstrated value in clinical diagnosis. In this paper, novel mussel‐inspired photonic crystal (PhC) barcodes with graphene oxide (GO) encapsulation for multiplexed miRNA detection are presented. Using the excellent adhesion capability of polydopamine, the dispersed GO particles can be immobilized on the surfaces of the PhC barcodes to form an additional functional layer. The GO‐decorated PhC barcodes have constant characteristic reflection peaks because the GO immobilization process not only maintains their periodic microstructure but also enhances their stability and anti‐incoherent light‐scattering capability. The immobilized GO particles are shown to enable high‐sensitivity miRNA screening on the surface of the PhC barcodes by integration with a hybridization chain reaction amplification strategy. Because the PhC barcodes have stable encoding reflection peaks, multiplexed low‐abundance miRNA quantification can also be achieved rapidly, accurately, and reproducibly by employing different GO‐decorated PhC barcodes. These features should make GO‐encapsulated PhC barcodes ideal for many practical applications.
Published in: "Small".