Aptamer-based Biosensor Development Services

Aptamers can be employed as recognition molecules of biosensors owing to their unique features such as small size, high stability (especially DNA aptamers), high binding affinity and specificity, and ease of modification. Aptamer-based biosensors provide a great promise in biomedical applications. Creative Biolabs is a world-leading service provider who is committed to offering high-quality and low-cost aptamer-based biosensor development services for global clients.

Introduction of Aptamer-based Biosensor

A biosensor consists of two main components: a biological recognition element and a signal element. The former is used to detect a target molecule and the latter is used to convert the biological recognition into physically detectable signals. Aptamers, the single-stranded nucleic acids, have been attracted tremendous attention as ideal recognition molecules in the development of biosensors owing to several unique characteristics.

  1. Firstly, aptamers can be selected for any given target by a process of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX).
  2. Secondly, aptamers selectively bind to a wide range of target molecules including metal ions, small molecules, peptides, proteins, and even complex targets such as the whole cell and materials surfaces.
  3. Thirdly, aptamers can be chemically synthesized and are easily modified.
  4. Fourth, aptamers are more stable than proteins and usually tolerant of harsh chemical, physical, and biological conditions.
  5. Fifth, aptamers have little immunogenicity or toxicity. Finally, aptamers are small in size, which allows efficient immobilization at high density.

Fig. 1 A representation of the operation of an aptasensor. (Flores-Contreras et al., 2022)Fig. 1 A representation of the operation of an aptasensor.1, 2

Aptamer-Based Biosensor Development at Creative Biolabs

Equipped with solid professional knowledge in aptamer design and state-of-the-art technologies, Creative Biolabs provides a variety of solutions for the development of aptamer-based biosensors for broad research applications in biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. With the powerful SELEX technology, the high-sensitivity and high-specificity aptamers against any given targets can be selected. Combined with advanced sensing technologies, the selected aptamers can be designed as excellent biosensors for medical and environmental research.

The aptamer biosensor formats provided by us include but not limited to:

  1. Optical Sensors: the sensors are designed for optical detection. Common formats include fluorescence and colorimetry. In fluorescent assays, quencher/fluorophore pairs are used to label aptamers to form fluorogenic aptamers. The fluorescence signal is enhanced once aptamers bind to their corresponding targets.
  2. Electrochemical Sensors: the sensors are designed to detect the electron-transfer features of the redox moieties of the rigidified 3D complexes that are formed by the binding of aptamer and its corresponding targets.

Advantages

  1. Abundant experience in the development of aptamer-based biosensors
  2. Customizable services to meet your special requirements
  3. Advanced technologies
  4. Short turnaround time

If you are interested in our aptamer-based biosensor development services, please contact us for more details.

Related Products

Aptamer Products List

Questions & Answer

Q: What are the research advances in aptamer-based biosensors?

A: Aptamer-based biosensor technology has been widely used in biology, medicine, food safety and other fields. With the development of molecular biology and nanotechnology, aptamer-based biosensors are constantly being improved and enhanced. Screening methods for this technology are also becoming more diverse and efficient. Different types of aptamers have been prepared and used in sensor construction, such as antibodies, nucleic acids and proteins. In addition, signal transduction mechanisms are being studied in greater depth, and detection methods such as fluorescence, electrochemistry and mass spectrometry are being widely used.

Q: What are the critical processes in the development of aptamer-based biosensors?

A: Aptamer-based biosensors have several critical processes in their development. Selection of appropriate aptamers: selecting the right aptamers is critical for biosensor development. It can be difficult to identify the ideal aptamer that specifically binds to the target analyte with high affinity and selectivity. Stability and reproducibility of aptamers: aptamers must maintain their structural stability and binding affinity over time and under varying experimental conditions. Immobilization of aptamers: aptamers must be immobilized on a suitable substrate while maintaining their binding ability. Interference from complex media: aptamer-based biosensors may be affected by compounds present in complex biological samples, such as serum or urine, which can reduce their sensitivity and specificity.

Q: How long is the development cycle for an aptamer-based biosensor?

A: The timeline for developing an aptamer-based biosensor can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the target molecule, availability of the resources, etc. However, typically, the development cycle can range between a few months to a year or more. This includes the initial selection and optimization of the aptamer, design and implementation of the biosensor, and the rigorous testing and validation of the biosensor for sensitivity, specificity, and stability.

References

  1. Flores-Contreras, Elda A., et al. "Detection of Emerging Pollutants Using Aptamer-Based Biosensors: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Outlook." Biosensors 12.12 (2022): 1078.
  2. under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification
For Research Use Only.
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