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Phthalic Acid Ester-Binding DNA Aptamer Selection, Characterization, and Application to an Electrochemical Aptasensor
Published on: March 21, 2018
Selection and characterization of PCB-binding DNA aptamers
Jaytry Mehta1, Elsa Rouah-Martin, Bieke Van Dorst
1Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium. Jaytry.Mehta@ua.ac.be
Analytical Chemistry
|December 15, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed DNA aptamers to detect polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a type of persistent organic pollutant (POP). This new method offers a sensitive and affordable way to identify PCB residues in food and the environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that bioaccumulate.
- PCBs pose significant health risks, including cancer, necessitating sensitive detection methods.
- Current PCB detection methods can be expensive and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel DNA aptamers for the specific detection of PCBs.
- To create a basis for an affordable, sensitive, and high-throughput PCB detection assay.
- To advance aptamer technology for monitoring highly sought-after POPs.
Main Methods:
- In vitro selection techniques were employed to identify PCB-binding aptamers.
- Fluorometry was used to quantify aptamer-target binding affinity.
- PCB congeners (PCB72, PCB106, 105, 118, 153, 169) were used as targets for aptamer selection and specificity testing.
Main Results:
- A DNA aptamer with nanomolar binding affinity for PCB72 and PCB106 was successfully developed.
- The aptamer demonstrated high selectivity for target PCB congeners.
- Limited affinity was observed for other PCB congeners, indicating specificity for the core PCB structure.
Conclusions:
- The developed aptamer is a promising tool for sensitive and selective PCB detection.
- This aptamer can form the foundation for cost-effective and rapid PCB monitoring assays.
- This study represents a novel application of aptamer technology for detecting persistent organic pollutants.
