Which approach, biosensors or molecular biology techniques, offers a more effective and reliable method for detecting circular RNAs in cancer?

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly discovered class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play significant functions in the regulation of gene expression and signaling pathways in several biological processes. These molecules are synthesized via reverse splicing of pre-mRNA, facilitated by the spliceosome and ribozymes. The role of circRNAs in the initiation and progression of various diseases, especially cancer, has been demonstrated in numerous studies. Additionally, their presence in various tissues and body fluids, including saliva, urine, and plasma, makes them suitable for use as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing and managing cancer. Nevertheless, understanding circRNAs' full potential as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic interventions is dependent on the progress made in detection methodologies. This article surveys several molecular biology methods for circRNA detection, including northern blotting, RT-qPCR, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and microarray analysis, outlining their advantages and limitations. Additionally, the study assesses the advantages and challenges linked with the application of varied biosensor types, namely Electrochemical, Optical, and Piezoelectric, in comparison to molecular biology techniques for circRNA’s detection.