Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025
Improvement of Bacillus subtilis Spore Enumeration and Label Analysis in Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 30, 2023
Selection and characterization of toxic Aspergillus spore-specific DNA aptamer using spore-SELEX
Jin-Woo Seo1, Jee Young Kim1, Da Hee Kim1
1Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu Seoul 02841 Korea lovewood@korea.ac.kr +82 2 3290 9753 +82 2 3290 3014.
Abstract:
As airborne spores of toxic Aspergillus species cause mild symptoms to invasive fungal infections, their indoor concentration should be controlled through real-time management. Aptamer-based biosensors could provide economical and simple solutions for point-of-care. In this study, we isolated aptamers binding to the spores of three representative toxic Aspergillus species (A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger) for the first time, using cell-SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands through exponential enrichment). Among the aptamer candidates, Asp-3 showed a broad and high binding affinity for the Aspergillus spores. Considering the low binding affinity with proteinase-treated spores, we speculated that the Asp-3 binding sites could be possibly associated with cell surface proteins. The high Asp-3 specificity was confirmed by comparing the binding affinity between the Aspergillus target species and other common indoor fungal species. Moreover, we also established quantitative linear relationships between Asp-3 and the spore concentration of each Aspergillus species. Therefore, the selected Asp-3 aptamer, conjugated with detection sensors, could be an effective biorecognition element for the spores of three toxic Aspergillus species.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel aptamer, Asp-3, for detecting toxic Aspergillus spores. This biosensor offers a promising solution for real-time indoor air quality monitoring and controlling airborne fungal pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Mycology
Background:
- Airborne toxic Aspergillus spores pose health risks, ranging from mild symptoms to invasive infections.
- Effective real-time monitoring of indoor Aspergillus spore concentrations is crucial for public health.
- Aptamer-based biosensors offer a potential for economical and user-friendly point-of-care diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize aptamers that specifically bind to spores of three toxic Aspergillus species: A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger.
- To evaluate the potential of aptamer-based biosensors for the detection and quantification of airborne Aspergillus spores.
Main Methods:
- Systematic Evolution of Ligands through Exponential Enrichment (cell-SELEX) was employed to isolate aptamers.
- Binding affinity and specificity of isolated aptamers were assessed against target Aspergillus species and other indoor fungi.
- Quantitative relationships between aptamer binding and spore concentration were established.
Main Results:
- Aptamers were successfully isolated for the first time, targeting spores of A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger.
- The aptamer candidate, Asp-3, demonstrated broad and high binding affinity for the target Aspergillus spores.
- Asp-3 showed high specificity for Aspergillus species and established quantitative linear relationships with spore concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The selected Asp-3 aptamer is a potential candidate for developing effective biorecognition elements in biosensors.
- Asp-3-conjugated sensors could enable real-time detection and management of toxic Aspergillus spores in indoor environments.
- This aptamer-based approach offers a promising tool for improving indoor air quality and mitigating health risks associated with fungal spores.
