Biosensors for RNA aptamers-protein interaction

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Antibodies have traditionally served as biorecognition elements in analytical devices.
• Aptamers, particularly RNA aptamers, are emerging as viable alternatives due to their specificity for various proteins.
• Aptasensors leverage aptamers for highly specific molecular recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the use of RNA aptamers as biorecognition elements in biosensor development.
• To outline procedures for immobilizing aptamers onto transducer surfaces.
• To show methods for monitoring aptamer-protein interactions in real-time.

Main Methods:

• Coupling RNA aptamers to piezoelectric quartz crystal transducers.
• Utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) devices as transducers for aptamer immobilization.
• Developing protocols for fixing aptamers onto sensor surfaces.
• Establishing methods for detecting target protein interactions with immobilized aptamers.

Main Results:

• Successful immobilization of RNA aptamers onto piezoelectric and SPR transducers.
• Demonstrated ability of aptamers to specifically recognize and bind target proteins.
• Established procedures for monitoring binding events using the described transducer platforms.

Conclusions:

• RNA aptamers are effective biorecognition elements for biosensor applications.
• The presented methods enable the development of specific aptasensors.
• This work provides a foundation for advanced analytical devices utilizing aptamer technology.