Aptamer-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor for thrombin based on supramolecular recognition,...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers high sensitivity for molecular detection.
• Aptamers provide specific molecular recognition capabilities.
• Thrombin detection is crucial for diagnosing coagulation disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly selective and sensitive SERS-based sensor for thrombin detection.
• To utilize an aptamer-based strategy for oriented assembly and signal amplification.
• To establish a practical method for medical diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA15) on an Ag nanoprism array.
• Supramolecular recognition and oriented assembly of a sandwich structure.
• Quantitative detection of thrombin via SERS intensity of SERS tags (4-mercaptobenzoic acid marked Ag nanoparticles).

Main Results:

• Achieved a limit of detection of 1.6 × 10^-11 M for thrombin.
• Demonstrated high selectivity through specific aptamer-thrombin recognition.
• Exhibited remarkable SERS enhancement due to gap structure formation and high repeatability.

Conclusions:

• The developed aptamer-based SERS sensor provides a sensitive, selective, and repeatable method for thrombin detection.
• The oriented assembly system enhances detection efficiency and sensitivity.
• This approach holds potential for practical applications in medical diagnosis.