Aptamer-based microfluidic beads array sensor for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes employing...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Aptamer-based sensors offer high specificity for molecular recognition.
• Microfluidic systems enable rapid, low-volume assays with enhanced control.
• Multiplexed detection is crucial for comprehensive diagnostic and research applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an aptamer-mediated microfluidic sensor for simultaneous detection of adenosine and cocaine.
• To leverage multienzyme-linked nanoparticle amplification and quantum dots for enhanced sensitivity.
• To demonstrate the efficiency and rapidity of microfluidic bead array assays for biomedical targets.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of microbeads with aptamers and electron-rich proteins within a microfluidic channel.
• Utilizing strand displacement triggered by target-aptamer complex formation for signal generation.
• Employing horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and quantum dots for dual signal amplification.

Main Results:

• The aptamer-based microfluidic sensor achieved detection limits of 0.1 pM for adenosine and 0.5 pM for cocaine.
• Demonstrated a 500-fold improvement in adenosine detection limit compared to off-chip methods.
• The system showed high sensitivity and efficiency for detecting key biomedical molecules with minimal reagent use.

Conclusions:

• The developed aptamer-based microfluidic bead array sensor is a rapid and efficient platform for multiplexed analyte detection.
• This technology holds significant promise for applications in biomedical fields requiring sensitive and specific molecular assays.
• The integration of microfluidics, aptamers, and nanomaterials offers a powerful approach for advanced biosensing.