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In Vitro Selection of Aptamers to Differentiate Infectious from Non-Infectious Viruses
Published on: September 7, 2022
SELEX-Based Aptamer Technologies for Toxin Analysis: Screening, Optimization, and Computational Assisted Design
Xinrui Shang1,2, Chengming Yang1,2, Huiyun Deng1,2
1Department of Student Team, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Toxins
|July 27, 2026
Summary
This review explores aptamer biosensors for sensitive toxin detection, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. It details Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) variants and computational design for improved food safety and public health.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- Accurate toxin detection is crucial for food safety, environmental monitoring, and public health.
- Conventional methods face challenges like high cost, poor field stability, and low sensitivity for emerging contaminants.
- Nucleic acid aptamers offer a promising alternative for sensitive and specific toxin detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of biosensor technologies for toxin detection.
- To focus on aptamer selection using Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) and its variants.
- To discuss computational and experimental strategies for aptamer design and optimization.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on aptamer-based biosensors for toxin detection.
- Categorization of nine SELEX variants based on selection platforms (target-immobilized, library-immobilized, non-immobilized, cell-based, high-throughput).
- Discussion of computational aptamer discovery (AI, molecular docking) and experimental optimization (cyclization, multivalent assembly, structure-switching).
Main Results:
- Nine SELEX variants for toxin detection are systematically categorized, detailing their principles, applications, and limitations.
- Computationally assisted aptamer discovery and experimental post-SELEX optimization strategies are discussed.
- Integration of SELEX strategies and AI-assisted design enables demand-oriented aptamer development.
Conclusions:
- Aptamer-based biosensors, particularly those utilizing SELEX technology, offer a sensitive and versatile platform for toxin detection.
- Advancements in computational design and experimental optimization are crucial for developing next-generation toxin detection systems.
- Integrated SELEX strategies and AI-assisted design are shifting aptamer development towards meeting specific detection demands, enhancing food safety and public health.
