Design of aptamer-based sensing platform using triple-helix molecular switch.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Biosensor Technology

Background:

• Aptamer-based biosensors require integrated design of molecular recognition and signal transduction.
• Existing platforms may lack versatility or require significant redesign for new targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, versatile aptamer-based sensing platform utilizing a triple-helix molecular switch (THMS).
• To demonstrate the platform's adaptability for detecting diverse analytes by modifying only the aptamer sequence.

Main Methods:

• Engineered a THMS platform with a central aptamer, flanking arms, and a dual-labeled signal transduction probe (STP).
• The STP features pyrene labels at both ends, forming a hairpin structure that opens upon target binding.
• Validated the platform using aptamers for human α-thrombin, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and L-argininamide (L-Arm).

Main Results:

• The THMS platform successfully detected the model analytes.
• Demonstrated that altering the aptamer sequence allows for detection of different targets while maintaining the core triple-helix structure.
• The signal readout is based on the release of the STP upon aptamer/target complex formation.

Conclusions:

• The THMS represents a universal and adaptable platform for aptamer-based biosensor development.
• This approach simplifies assay development by enabling target specificity changes through aptamer sequence modification alone.
• The THMS offers a promising strategy for creating versatile biosensing tools.