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Updated: Nov 20, 2025
In Vitro Selection of Aptamers to Differentiate Infectious from Non-Infectious Viruses
Published on: September 7, 2022
Engineered Aptamers for Enhanced COVID-19 Theranostics
Caleb Acquah1, Jaison Jeevanandam2, Kei Xian Tan3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5 Canada.
Introduction:
The 2019-novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an intractable global health challenge resulting in an aberrant rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The mode of entry for SARS-CoV-2 into host cells occurs through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. As part of the efforts to mitigate COVID-19 infections, rapid and accurate detection methods, as well as smart vaccine and drug designs with SARS-CoV-2 targeting capabilities are critically needed. This systematic review aimed to present a good mapping between the structural and functional characteristics of aptamers and their potential applications in COVID-19 theranostics.
Methods:
In this study, extensive discussions into the potential development of aptameric systems as robust theranostics for rapid mitigation of the virulent SARS-CoV-2 was made. Information required for this study were extracted from a systematic review of literature in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and other official related reports from reputable organisations.
Results:
The global burden of COVID-19 pandemic was discussed including the progress in rapid detection, repurposing of existing antiviral drugs, and development of prophylactic vaccines. Aptamers have highly specific and stable target binding characteristics which can be generated and engineered with less complexity for COVID-19 targeted theranostic applications.
Conclusions:
There is an urgent need to develop safe innovative biomedical technologies to mitigate the dire impact of COVID-19 on public health worldwide. Research advances into aptameric systems bode well with the fact that they can be engineered for the development of effective and affordable diagnostics, therapeutics and prophylactic vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious pathogens.
Insights
Aptamers offer a promising solution for COVID-19 theranostics, enabling the development of rapid diagnostics and targeted therapeutics. Their specific binding characteristics make them ideal for combating SARS-CoV-2.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a significant global health challenge.
- SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
- There is a critical need for rapid detection methods and targeted vaccines/therapeutics for COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and map the structural and functional characteristics of aptamers.
- To explore the potential applications of aptamers in COVID-19 theranostics.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and organizational reports.
- Extensive discussion on aptameric systems for SARS-CoV-2 mitigation.
Main Results:
- Aptamers exhibit high specificity and stability in target binding.
- Aptamers can be engineered with relative ease for COVID-19 theranostic applications.
- Progress in COVID-19 detection, drug repurposing, and vaccine development was discussed.
Conclusions:
- Innovative biomedical technologies are urgently needed to address the impact of COVID-19.
- Aptamer research shows potential for developing effective and affordable diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.
