Time-Gated Fluorescent Aptamer Sensors Eliminate Autofluorescence during Continuous Molecular Detection in Complex...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Background autofluorescence interferes with sensitive detection in fluorescence-based biosensors.
• Existing methods struggle with sensitivity in complex biological environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an autofluorescence-free biosensing strategy for reliable biomarker monitoring.
• To create a generalizable framework for time-gated fluorescent aptamer switches.

Main Methods:

• Utilized time-gated fluorescence with europium chelate and acceptor fluorophore-labeled aptamer switches.
• Employed Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) modulated by target binding.
• Designed and tested switches for glucose, lactate, and cortisol detection.

Main Results:

• Achieved autofluorescence-free biomarker detection by filtering short-lived background signals.
• Demonstrated sensitive detection of glucose, lactate, and cortisol in physiologically relevant ranges.
• Showcased reversible responses with minute-scale temporal resolution suitable for continuous monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The developed time-gated fluorescent aptamer switches offer a robust solution for biosensing in complex samples.
• A compact sensor platform was created for monitoring biomarkers in undiluted human serum.
• This approach provides a simple and effective method for autofluorescence-free biosensing.