Dual-Channel Interdigitated Aptamer-Based Sensors for Rapid Small-Molecule Detection in Biofluids
Senyao Wang1,2, Ali Elmorsy2, Defne Tüzün1
1Neuroelectronics, Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|May 14, 2026
Summary
This study presents a novel electrochemical aptasensor for rapid, point-of-care detection of small molecules in biofluids. The dual-channel system enhances sensitivity and accuracy for diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biosensors
Background:
- Accurate quantification of small-molecule biomarkers is crucial for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics.
- Detecting these biomarkers reliably in complex biofluids presents significant challenges for existing methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an engineered electrochemical aptasensor platform for sensitive and rapid quantification of small-molecule biomarkers.
- To overcome limitations in current biofluid biomarker detection using a novel dual-channel signal conversion strategy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an electrochemical aptasensor with spatially separated interdigitated electrodes.
- Implemented selective self-assembled monolayer (SAM) removal for target-induced release and recapture of methylene blue-labeled DNA probes.
- Employed a dual-channel signal transduction mechanism to enhance detection robustness.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid detection (≤ 30 minutes) of small molecules like dopamine and cortisol in various biofluids (aCSF, serum, saliva) using a low sample volume (30 µL).
- Demonstrated minimized background interference and enhanced mass transport through the dual-channel configuration.
- Validated the signal conversion mechanism's effectiveness across different targets and sample types with minimal sequence adaptation.
Conclusions:
- The developed aptasensor platform offers a versatile electrochemical sensing architecture for quantitative small-molecule analysis in complex biological media.
- This technology holds significant potential for advancing point-of-care diagnostics and personalized medicine through rapid biomarker quantification.
