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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Mapping the Binding Site of an Aptamer on ATP Using MicroScale Thermophoresis
Published on: January 7, 2017
Sensing organic molecules by charge transfer through aptamer-target complexes: theory and simulation.
Maria Schill1, Thorsten Koslowski
1Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Universität Freiburg, Albertstrasse 23a, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|December 12, 2012
Summary
Short DNA and RNA sequences called aptamers can bind targets. This study shows aptamer binding influences charge transfer and conductivity in complexes, with potential biosensor applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Aptamers are nucleic acid molecules with specific binding capabilities.
- Understanding aptamer-target interactions is crucial for developing novel biosensors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure, stability, dynamics, and electronic properties of aptamers binding aromatic/heterocyclic targets.
- To estimate charge transfer rates and conductivity within aptamer-target complexes.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations.
- Computation of energy parameters using a modified Su-Schrieffer-Heeger Hamiltonian.
- Analysis of charge transfer kinetics and carrier mobility.
Main Results:
- Stable adducts form between aptamers and aromatic/heterocyclic targets.
- Aptamer binding significantly affects charge transfer kinetics and carrier mobility.
- Conductivity up to the nanoampere range was observed for single aptamer-target complexes.
Conclusions:
- Aptamer-target interactions can be harnessed to modulate electronic properties.
- These findings support the development of aptamer-based biosensors with tunable conductivity.
