A photonic dual nano-hybrid assay for detection of cell-free circulating mitochondrial DNA

•ccf-mtDNA has emerged as potential biomarker for various non-communicable diseases.•We herein assessed a novel dual hybrid assay for specific detection of ccf-mtDNA.•The assay comprises a capture and screen facet that contains CQD-AP to screen ccf-NAs.•While, identify and detect system includes QD-probe conjugate to detect ccf-mtDNA.•Results suggest that the developed assay system specifically detects ccfmtDNA.