Aptamer-based NanoBioSensors for seafood safety

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Chemical and biological contaminants pose significant risks to seafood safety.
• Immunoassay (IA) technology has limitations in detecting small molecules and requires stable conditions.
• Robust and rapid detection methods are crucial for seafood safety management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) for detecting seafood contaminants.
• To highlight the potential of aptasensors as molecular recognition elements (MREs) for various targets.
• To provide an outlook on translating aptasensor technology to the seafood industry.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on aptasensor development for seafood contaminant detection.
• Analysis of aptamer specificity and stability compared to antibodies.
• Discussion of aptasensor applications for heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, pathogens, and biotoxins.

Main Results:

• Aptasensors demonstrate high specificity and robustness for detecting a wide range of seafood contaminants.
• Aptamers overcome limitations of antibody-based methods for small molecular targets and ambient conditions.
• Recent progress shows significant potential for aptasensors in seafood safety monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Aptasensors represent a powerful and versatile tool for seafood contaminant detection.
• Their specificity and stability make them suitable for non-biomedical applications in the seafood industry.
• Further development can facilitate the adoption of aptasensors for improved seafood safety and consumer protection.