Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025
06:26
Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
7.3K
Development of a novel liquid crystal Apta-sensing platform using P-shape molecular switch
Asma Verdian1, Zahra Khoshbin2, Chih-Hsin Chen3
1Department of Food Safety and Quality Control, Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST), Mashhad, Iran.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|December 19, 2021
Summary
A novel P-shaped DNA structure triggers liquid crystal reorientation for ultra-sensitive Ochratoxin A detection. This aptasensor offers a universal platform for detecting hazardous analytes in food safety applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate Ochratoxin A (OTA) detection is crucial for food safety.
- Existing methods for OTA detection can be complex and lack sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, ultra-sensitive aptasensor for Ochratoxin A detection.
- To utilize liquid crystal (LC) reorientation triggered by DNA conformational changes for sensing.
Main Methods:
- A P-shaped DNA structure was designed, comprising an aptamer (Apt) and an Apt terminal-locker (ATL) strand.
- The aptasensor relies on the disassembly of the Apt-ATL hybrid upon OTA binding, causing LC reorientation.
- Optical changes in the LC texture indicate the presence and concentration of OTA.
Main Results:
- The developed LC aptasensor demonstrated a wide linear range (0.01 aM to 100 pM) for OTA detection.
- An ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0078 aM was achieved.
- Quantitative recoveries (91-103.51%) were obtained for OTA in real food samples (rice and grape juice).
Conclusions:
- The study presents a novel and universal liquid crystal-based aptasensing platform.
- The aptasensor offers facile, ultra-sensitive, and precise detection of hazardous analytes.
- This technology has significant potential for improving food safety risk assessment.
