Aptamers used for biosensors and targeted therapy

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Molecular Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Drug Discovery and Development

Background:

• Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acid sequences selected for high affinity and specificity to target molecules.
• The systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is the primary in vitro method for aptamer screening.
• Since their discovery, aptamers have gained significant traction due to their unique advantages in various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in aptamer applications for biosensors.
• To review the progress of aptamers in targeted therapy, including drug delivery and therapeutic roles.
• To discuss current challenges and future perspectives in aptamer-based biosensing and targeted therapy research.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature focusing on aptamer-based biosensors utilizing diverse detection principles and signaling methods.
• Analysis of studies employing aptamers for targeted drug delivery systems and as direct therapeutic agents.
• Synthesis of findings to identify common challenges and emerging trends in the field.

Main Results:

• Detailed discussion of various aptamer-based biosensor designs and their detection mechanisms.
• Exploration of aptamers' dual role in targeted therapy: as delivery vehicles and therapeutic agents.
• Identification of key challenges, such as stability and delivery, and promising future research avenues.

Conclusions:

• Aptamers are versatile tools with significant potential in both biosensing and targeted therapeutic applications.
• Continued research is crucial to overcome existing challenges and fully realize the clinical and diagnostic utility of aptamers.
• This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers entering the field of aptamer-based biosensing and therapy.