Table 4 Main methods used for miRNA quantification and current limitations for their application as a screening method for cancer detection

Microarray platforms

Direct hybridization with probes present in the platform

Potential scalability; quantitative results; few steps until final results

Needed of specialized professionals and equipment; requires the previous setup of miRNA panel; elevated costs of customized panel

fmol

[178, 179]

qPCR

miRNA amplification and quantification; results were detected using optical sensors

Widespread technique; quantitative results; few steps until final results

Needed of specialized professionals and equipment; time until final results; requires the previous setup of miRNA panel

fmol

[162]

Next-generation sequencing

Direct sequencing of miRNAs present in the sample

Quantification of all miRNAs in the sample; high accuracy

Elevated operational cost of analysis; needed of specialized professionals and equipment; time until final results

fmol

[180, 181]

Northern blot

Hybridization with probes and detected according to their sequences and molecular weight

Widespread technique

Semi-quantitative method; laborious and multiple steps protocol

pmol

[182, 183]

Isothermal amplification

miRNA amplification and quantification; results were detected using optical sensor

Low-cost technique; potential scalability

Nonspecific background amplification; multiple steps protocol; Scalability using clinical samples

fmol

[184,185,186]