Selection of aptamers against pathogenic bacteria and their diagnostics application

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Aptamers are short nucleic acid sequences with high target-binding affinity, selected through Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX).
• Aptamers present advantages over antibodies, including stability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of labeling, positioning them as potential diagnostic probes.
• The diagnostic field increasingly seeks reliable methods for detecting pathogenic bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in SELEX procedures for aptamer selection.
• To detail the principles and applications of various aptamer-based detection methods for pathogenic bacteria.
• To discuss current research and future trends in aptamer development for bacterial diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature focusing on SELEX procedures and aptamer-based detection techniques.
• Systematic analysis of key steps within SELEX protocols.
• Discussion of diverse detection platforms including colorimetric, fluorescence, electrochemical, lateral flow, mass-sensitive, and PCR-based aptasensors.

Main Results:

• Recent advancements in SELEX methodologies have refined aptamer selection processes.
• Aptamer-based detection offers a versatile platform for identifying pathogenic bacteria using various sensing principles.
• Multiple detection strategies, including colorimetric and electrochemical methods, demonstrate efficacy in bacterial diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• Aptamers are valuable tools for pathogenic bacteria detection, offering a viable alternative to antibodies in diagnostics.
• Continued research into SELEX and aptamer-based sensors will drive innovation in infectious disease diagnostics.
• This review highlights the potential of aptamers to advance the field of pathogenic bacteria diagnosis.