Aptamer-Based Approaches for Influenza Virus Detection: A Systematic Review

Influenza remains a globally prevalent respiratory infection that is challenging to diagnose accurately. This systematic review focuses on aptamer-based tools for influenza virus detection, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods.

Following PRISMA guidelines, we identified relevant studies from official databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar) and grey literature sources. The search strategy utilized keywords related to aptamers, systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) techniques, and influenza. The qualitative synthesis included 22 articles out of 1432 studies.

Our analysis revealed diverse aptamer-based techniques for influenza detection, including fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based aptasensors, electrochemical sensors, and surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS)-based methods. SELEX was the predominant method for aptamer development, ensuring high specificity and adaptability to various influenza strains. Notably, FRET-based methods demonstrated detection limits as low as 0.43 ng/mL, while electrochemical approaches exhibited high sensitivity with low detection limits in the picomolar range. The findings highlight the advantages of aptamers, including cost-effectiveness, stability, and rapid synthesis, though challenges related to reproducibility and technological complexity remain.

Aptamer-based tools offer promising alternatives to traditional diagnostics, especially for rapid and field-deployable influenza detection. Their adaptability and potential for multiplex detection underscore their role in advancing public health diagnostics. Further research should focus on optimizing sensitivity and simplifying technological requirements for broader clinical applications.