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Osteosarcoma is a type of tumour originating from the bone cells, most often from long bones. Children and adolescents are mainly affected by osteosarcoma. Identifying the condition with osteosarcoma is mandatory to provide a proper treatment to the affected patients. This research work was introduced an identification of osteosarcoma biomarker 'miRNA-21' on the interdigitated electrochemical sensor by a nuclease digestion. Target RNA sequence of miRNA-21 was hybridized to the capture DNA and placed on the sensing electrode surface with the aid of biotin-streptavidin interaction. The unhybridized immobilized single standard capture DNA was digested by S1-nuclease. The current response of digestion level was considered as the duplex formation between target and capture DNA. Using this technique, the detection limit of target was reached to 1 fM and the similar response of current was noted with the target RNA spiked human serum, indicating the selective identification of target RNA. Further, single mismatched, triple mismatched and random miRNA sequences (miRNA-195) were failed to interact with the immobilized capture DNA represents the specific identification of target RNA. This nuclease digestion technique with miRNA-21 identification helps to detect the osteosarcoma and the related issues. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

In conventional investment casting process of aluminium alloys for the application of the aerospace industry, to assure the quality of the final casting, usually the foundry uses large runner system which results in low yield, high energy consumption and high GHGs emission. In one case of this investigation, the yield is between 5 ~ 10% which means that the current casting process wastes large amount of energy and generates lots of scraps. By applying a new casting method, the bulky runner system and the melting/holding time are significantly reduced, the quality of the casting is improved, and in the meantime the related energy consumption and GHGs emission are significantly decreased. In the investigation, the energy efficiencies and GHGs emission between the current and traditional processes are calculated and compared.