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In Vitro Selection of Aptamers to Differentiate Infectious from Non-Infectious Viruses
Published on: September 7, 2022
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DNA aptamer selection for SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein detection.
Mateo Alejandro Martínez-Roque1, Pablo Alberto Franco-Urquijo1, Víctor Miguel García-Velásquez1
1Laboratorio de Terapia Génica, Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N., CDMX, 07360, Mexico.
Analytical Biochemistry
|March 5, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed DNA aptamers to detect the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein. These aptamers enabled sensitive electrochemical and fluorescent aptasensors for rapid virus detection, crucial for public health.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 necessitated rapid development of diagnostic tools.
- Existing detection methods require improvement in cost-effectiveness and throughput.
- Specific recognition elements are vital for accurate SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and validate DNA aptamers targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein.
- To develop sensitive and specific aptasensors for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein.
- To provide cost-effective diagnostic solutions for SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Ideal-Filter Capillary Electrophoresis SELEX (IFCE-SELEX) for aptamer selection.
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for aptamer characterization.
- Binding assays and aptasensor development (electrochemical and fluorescent) for validation.
Main Results:
- Isolation of two specific DNA aptamers, C7 and C9, targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein.
- Development of electrochemical and fluorescent aptasensors with high sensitivity.
- Achieved detection limits of 0.07 fM for electrochemical and 41.87 nM for fluorescent aptasensors.
Conclusions:
- Selected DNA aptamers (C7, C9) are effective recognition elements for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- Developed aptasensors offer sensitive and specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein.
- This approach provides a foundation for low-cost, high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic assays.
