Biosensor-based on-site explosives detection using aptamers as recognition elements

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Soil contamination from military activities necessitates reliable detection methods for effective decontamination.
• Biosensor devices offer flexible on-site analysis capabilities.
• Fiber-optic evanescent field techniques combined with molecular recognition elements enable sensitive detection of explosives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop specific aptamers for detecting the explosive molecule trinitrotoluene (TNT).
• To utilize these aptamers as capture molecules in a fiber-optic biosensor.
• To characterize aptamers using biosensor measurements.

Main Methods:

• Development of synthetic high-affinity nucleic acid aptamers for TNT detection.
• Integration of aptamers into a fiber-optic biosensor system.
• Utilizing fiber-optic evanescent field techniques for sensitive detection.

Main Results:

• Specific aptamers capable of detecting TNT were successfully developed.
• The aptamer-based fiber-optic biosensor demonstrated robustness and sensitivity.
• The biosensor effectively discriminated between different explosive molecules and was insensitive to other soil components.

Conclusions:

• Aptamer-based fiber-optic biosensors provide a sensitive, robust, and rapid method for TNT detection in soil.
• These biosensors are suitable for both long-term contaminated sites and urgent spill response.
• The technology has potential for incorporation into portable devices for on-site environmental monitoring.