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Aptamers for SARS-CoV-2: Isolation, Characterization, and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Developments
Ryan Amini1, Zijie Zhang1, Jiuxing Li1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences McMaster University 1280 Main Street West Hamilton Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada.
Analysis & Sensing
|May 16, 2022
Summary
Nucleic acid aptamers offer promising solutions for COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics. Researchers have developed numerous aptamers targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteins, leading to advanced aptasensors for detection.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
- Nucleic acid aptamers are highly specific and affinitive molecular recognition elements.
- Aptamers can be rapidly selected from random libraries for specific targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of aptamers targeting SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins (spike and nucleocapsid).
- To focus on the advancements in aptasensors for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- To highlight the potential of aptamers in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Selection of aptamers against SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins.
- Development and characterization of various aptasensor platforms.
- Review of existing literature on SARS-CoV-2 aptamer research.
Main Results:
- Numerous aptamers targeting SARS-CoV-2 S and N proteins have been identified.
- Diverse aptasensor formats, including electrochemical, optical, lateral flow, and ALISA, show promise.
- These aptamers demonstrate potential for developing rapid and accurate diagnostic tests and therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Aptamers are a viable and rapidly developing tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection and potential treatment.
- Continued research in aptamer technology will accelerate the development of effective COVID-19 countermeasures.
- Aptasensors represent a significant advancement in molecular diagnostics for viral pathogens.
