Competitive horseradish peroxidase-linked aptamer assay for sensitive detection of Aflatoxin B1

Lactobacillus salivarius Ameliorates AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity via PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in Geese

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is commonly found in feed ingredients and foods all over the world, posing a significant threat to food safety and public health in animals and humans. Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) was recorded to improve the intestinal health and performance of chickens. However, whether L. salivarius can alleviate AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity in geese was unknown. A total of 300 Lande geese were randomly assigned to five groups: control group, AFB1 low-dose group (L), L. salivarius+AFB1 low-dose group (LL), AFB1 high dosage groups (H), L. salivarius+AFB1 high dosage groups (LH), respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of ALT, AST, and GGT significantly increased after exposure to AFB1. Similarly, severe damage of hepatic morphology was observed including the hepatic structure injury and inflammatory cell infiltration. The oxidative stress was evidenced by the elevated concentrations of MDA, and decreased activities of GSH-Px, GSH and SOD. The observation of immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, and western blotting showed that the expression of PINK1 and the value of LC3II/LC3I were increased, but that of p62 significantly decreased after AFB1 exposure. Moreover, the supplementation of L. salivarius effectively improved the geese performance, ameliorated AFB1-induced oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial mitophagy and enhanced the liver restoration to normal level. The present study demonstrated that L. salivarius ameliorated AFB1-induced the hepatotoxicity by decreasing the oxidative stress, and regulating the expression of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in the mitochondria of the geese liver. Furthermore, this investigation suggested that L. salivarius might serve as a novel and safe additive for preventing AFB1 contamination in poultry feed.

Sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 in foods by aptasensing-based qPCR

In this study, a reproductive switch DNA template was designed using aptasensing principles for the accurate quantification of aflatoxins. The template transformed the aflatoxin molecule into linear DNA of 102 nt. The linear DNA was subjected to a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to determine its initial copy number, which was positively correlated with the aflatoxin concentration. Using aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) as a model, the established method could quantify AFB1 within the range of 10-16-10-11 Mol/mL (detection limit equals 0.03 pg/mL), with a linear correlation coefficient R2 of 0.974. Good anti-interference abilities against common food ingredients and high specificity towards other mycotoxins were demonstrated. The established method was successfully applied for the quantification of AFB1 in complex foods such as soy sauce, milk, yellow wine, and peanut butter. The design of a reproductive switch template introduces a novel approach for the sensitive detection of small-molecule toxicants in foods.

Aflatoxins: Source, Detection, Clinical Features and Prevention

The most potent mycotoxin, aflatoxins are the secondary metabolite produced by fungi, especially Aspergillus, and have been found to be ubiquitous, contaminating cereals, crops, and even milk and causing major health and economic issues in some countries due to poor storage, substandard management, and lack of awareness. Different aspects of the toxin are reviewed here, including its structural biochemistry, occurrence, factors conducive to its contamination and intoxication and related clinical features, as well as suggested preventive and control strategies and detection methods.

Carboxyl porphyrin as signal molecule for sensitive fluorescent detection of aflatoxin B1 via ARGET-ATRP

In this work, a novel fluorescent biosensor for sensitive detecting of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) was constructed through activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET-ATRP) for the first time. The AFB₁ antigen was immobilized on the carboxy magnetic beads (MBs) by forming a sandwich-type "aptamer-antigen-antibody" immune system. Then, acrylamid (AM) was introduced through ARGET-ATRP to provide binding sites for the signaling molecules. Finally, carboxy porphyrins (TPP*) were connected with monomers through an amide bond and fixed on the MBs. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the fluorescence intensity and the logarithm of the concentration of AFB₁ showed a good relationship from 100 fg mL^-1 to 100 ng mL^-1, with the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 8.38 fg mL^-1. In addition, the method shows good selectivity and excellent reproducibility. More importantly, the biosensor has applied to the quantitative analysis of AFB₁ in four Chinese medicines, and this strategy could potentially serve as a novel means for sensitive detecting of AFB₁ in complex matrices.

Quartz Crystal Microbalance-Based Aptasensors for Medical Diagnosis

Aptamers are important materials for the specific determination of different disease-related biomarkers. Several methods have been enhanced to transform selected target molecule-specific aptamer bindings into measurable signals. A number of specific aptamer-based biosensors have been designed for potential applications in clinical diagnostics. Various methods in combination with a wide variety of nano-scale materials have been employed to develop aptamer-based biosensors to further increase sensitivity and detection limit for related target molecules. In this critical review, we highlight the advantages of aptamers as biorecognition elements in biosensors for target biomolecules. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that electrode material plays an important role in obtaining quick, label-free, simple, stable, and sensitive detection in biological analysis using piezoelectric devices. For this reason, we review the recent progress in growth of aptamer-based QCM biosensors for medical diagnoses, including virus, bacteria, cell, protein, and disease biomarker detection.

Dual-Target Electrochemical Sensor Based on 3D MoS2-rGO and Aptamer Functionalized Probes for Simultaneous Detection of Mycotoxins

A dual-target aptamer functionalized probes (DTAFP) was applied for the detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) simultaneously, which has not been reported. Meanwhile, two functional materials for signal amplification of the DTAFP were synthesized: 1) a three-dimensional molybdenum disulfide-reduced graphene oxide (MoS₂-rGO) as a favorable loading interface; 2) a double-probes gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified by Thionin (Thi) and 6-(Ferrocenyl) hexanethiol (FC6S) as distinguishable and non-interfering signals. Mycotoxins on the electrode surface release into solution under the function of the DTAFP, leading a reduction of the differential peak impulse in signal response. Under the optimum conditions, the aptasensor exhibited a detection range of 1.0 pg mL⁻¹–100 ng mL⁻¹ for AFB1 and ZEN, with no observable cross reactivity. In addition, the aptasensor performed excellent stability, reproducibility, specificity, and favorable recovery in the detection of edible oil. This work demonstrated a novel method for the construction of a simple, rapid, and sensitive aptasensor in the detection of multiple mycotoxins simultaneously.

Rapid qualitative and quantitative detection of Salmonella typhimurium using a single-step dual photometric/fluorometric assay

A dual-signal photometric/fluorometric assay was established for rapid, qualitative, and quantitative detection of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium). This method was composed of two parts: (1) a single-step photometric (SSC) assay containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA), and S. typhimurium-specific aptamer, and (2) a fluorescence (FL) assay containing carboxyl-modified CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs-_COOH). Users just need to drop samples contaminated with S. typhimurium into SSC assay; the apparent color change from red to blue can be observed in a short time (20 min). A smartphone app was developed to read the semiquantitative result. By subsequently adding one drop of FL assay into the reaction mixture, the generated fluorescence intensity reflected the concentration of S. typhimurium. The naked eye limit of detection (LOD) and fluorescent LOD were 10³ cfu/mL and 10 cfu/mL, respectively. This method exhibited good selectivity. The reliability and practicability were verified by testing contaminated food, drinking water, and pets' urine.

Utilizing dual carriers assisted by enzyme digestion chemiluminescence signal enhancement strategy simultaneously detect tumor markers CEA and AFP

To measure two tumor biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a dual-carrier CL sensor with restriction enzyme digestion (Exo I) and aptamer technology utilizing gold nanoparticles (hydroxylamine amplification) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as the CL signal enhancement in the sensing strategy was formed. These nanoparticles and nano-enzyme were precisely detected and tagged to the appropriate position attributable to the particular recognition of biotin and streptavidin. In this sensing strategy, target markers were further enriched and recognized sensitively by CL following enrichment, and matching strong chemical signals were collected under luminol catalysis, allowing for marker identification. For CEA (0.1-80 ng/mL) and AFP (2-500 ng/mL), the proposed method has a large linear range, with detection limits of 36.6 pg/mL and 0.94 ng/mL, respectively.

Luminescence method for detection of aflatoxin B1 using ATP-releasing nucleotides

Determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is still a big issue in food safety. In this paper, we developed a luminescence AFB1 detection method combined with ATP-releasing nucleotides (ARNs) and AFB1 aptamer. Firstly, using a new coupling method, we synthesized two ARNs (dTP₄A and dGP₄A) in a yield of 67% and 58%, respectively. The newly prepared ARNs show a much lower background. Then, we developed a new isothermal polymerase amplification method. In this method, two DNA hairpins were used to substitute the circle DNA template in rolling circle amplification. Using this amplification method and combined with AFB1 aptamer, a new AFB1 detection method is developed. A detection limit as low as 0.3 pM is achieved. This method is simple and efficient, and will have a great potential to be used for food safety and public health.

Schematic illustration of a luminescence short DNA sequence detection method using ATP-releasing nucleotides. Combined with AFB1 aptamer, this method is used to detect AFB1.

Aptasensors for mycotoxin detection: A review

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi, which represent a risk to the food and feed supply chain, having an impact on health and economies. A high percentage of feed samples have been reported to be contaminated with more than one type of mycotoxin. Systematic, cost-effective and simple tools for testing are critical to achieve a rapid and accurate screening of food and feed quality. In this review, we describe the various aptamers that have been selected against mycotoxins and their incorporation into optical and electrochemical aptasensors, outlining the strategies exploited, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The review also discusses the different materials used and the immobilization methods employed, with the aim of achieving the highest sensitivity and selectivity.

Recent advances on aptamer-based biosensors for detection of pathogenic bacteria

As a significant constituent in biosphere, bacteria have a great influence on human activity. The detection of pathogen bacteria is closely related to the human health. However, the traditional methods for detection of pathogenic bacteria are time-consuming and difficult for quantification, although they are practical and reliable. Therefore, novel strategies for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective detection are in great demand. Aptamer is a kind of oligonucleotide that selected by repeated screening in vitro or systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology. Over the past years, owing to high affinity and specificity of aptamers, a variety of aptamer-based biosensors have been designed and applied for pathogen detection. In this review, we have discussed the recent advances on the applications of aptamer-based biosensors in detection of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, we also point out some problems in current methods and look forward to the further development of aptamer-based biosensors for pathogen detection.

A Flexible PI/Si/SiO2 Piezoresistive Microcantilever for Trace-Level Detection of Aflatoxin B1

In this paper, a polyimide (PI)/Si/SiO2-based piezoresistive microcantilever biosensor was developed to achieve a trace level detection for aflatoxin B1. To take advantage of both the high piezoresistance coefficient of single-crystal silicon and the small spring constant of PI, the flexible piezoresistive microcantilever was designed using the buried oxide (BOX) layer of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer as a bottom passivation layer, the topmost single-crystal silicon layer as a piezoresistor layer, and a thin PI film as a top passivation layer. To obtain higher sensitivity and output voltage stability, four identical piezoresistors, two of which were located in the substrate and two integrated in the microcantilevers, were composed of a quarter-bridge configuration wheatstone bridge. The fabricated PI/Si/SiO2 microcantilever showed good mechanical properties with a spring constant of 21.31 nN/μm and a deflection sensitivity of 3.54 × 10-7 nm-1. The microcantilever biosensor also showed a stable voltage output in the Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) buffer with a fluctuation less than 1 μV @ 3 V. By functionalizing anti-aflatoxin B1 on the sensing piezoresistive microcantilever with a biotin avidin system (BAS), a linear aflatoxin B1 detection concentration resulting from 1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL was obtained, and the toxic molecule detection also showed good specificity. The experimental results indicate that the PI/Si/SiO2 flexible piezoresistive microcantilever biosensor has excellent abilities in trace-level and specific detections of aflatoxin B1 and other biomolecules.

Comparative Study of Time-Resolved Fluorescent Nanobeads, Quantum Dot Nanobeads and Quantum Dots as Labels in Fluorescence Immunochromatography for Detection of Aflatoxin B1 in Grains

Label selection is an essential procedure for improving the sensitivity of fluorescence immunochromatography assays (FICAs). Under optimum conditions, time-resolved fluorescent nanobeads (TRFN), quantum dots nanobeads (QB) and quantum dots (QD)-based immunochromatography assays (TRFN-FICA, QB-FICA and QD-FICA) were systematically and comprehensively compared for the quantitative detection of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in six grains (corn, soybeans, sorghum, wheat, rice and oat). All three FICAs can be applied as rapid, cost-effective and convenient qualitative tools for onsite screening of AFB₁; TRFN-FICA exhibits the best performance with the least immune reagent consumption, shortest immunoassay duration and lowest limit of detection (LOD). The LODs for TRFN-FICA, QB-FICA and QD-FICA are 0.04, 0.30 and 0.80 μg kg⁻¹ in six grains, respectively. Recoveries range from 83.64% to 125.61% at fortified concentrations of LOD, 2LOD and 4LOD, with the coefficient of variation less than 10.0%. Analysis of 60 field grain samples by three FICAs is in accordance with that of LC-MS/MS, and TRFN-FICA obtained the best fit. In conclusion, TRFN-FICA is more suitable for quantitative detection of AFB₁ in grains when the above factors are taken into consideration.

A Lateral Flow Strip Based on a Truncated Aptamer-Complementary Strand for Detection of Type-B Aflatoxins in Nuts and Dried Figs

Type-B aflatoxins (AFB1 and AFB2) frequently contaminate food, especially nuts and fried figs, and seriously threaten human health; hence, it is necessary for the newly rapid and sensitive detection methods to prevent the consumption of potentially contaminated food. Here, a lateral flow aptasensor for the detection of type-B aflatoxins was developed. It is based on the use of fluorescent dye Cy5 as a label for the aptamer, and on the competition between type-B aflatoxins and the complementary DNA of the aptamer. This is the first time that the complementary strand of the aptamer has been used as the test line (T-line) to detect type-B aflatoxins. In addition, the truncated aptamer was used to improve the affinity with type-B aflatoxins in our study. Therefore, the lengths of aptamer and cDNA probe were optimized as key parameters for higher sensitivity. In addition, binding buffer and organic solvent were investigated. The results showed that the best pair for achieving improved sensitivity and accuracy in detecting AFB1 was formed by a shorter aptamer (32 bases) coupled with the probe complementary to the AFB1 binding region of the aptamer. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the test strip showed an excellent linear relationship in the range from 0.2 to 20 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.16 ng/mL. This aptamer-based strip was successfully applied to the determination of type-B aflatoxins in spiked and commercial peanuts, almonds, and dried figs, and the recoveries of the spiked samples were from 93.3%-112.0%. The aptamer-complementary strand-based lateral flow test strip is a potential alternative tool for the rapid and sensitive detection of type-B aflatoxins in nuts and dried figs. It is of help for monitoring aflatoxins to avoid the consumption of unsafe food.

A competitive thrombin-linked aptamer assay for small molecule: aflatoxin B1

We described a competitive thrombin-linked aptamer assay for small molecule, using aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) as a model, taking advantage of aptamer affinity binding and enzymatic activity of thrombin. We designed a dual functional DNA probe that contained the aptamer sequence for thrombin and the aptamer sequence for AFB₁. Thrombin was labeled on the DNA probe by affinity binding between thrombin and anti-thrombin aptamer. This thrombin-labeled DNA probe was attached on AFB₁-bovine serum albumin conjugate (BSA-AFB₁) coated on a microplate through the affinity interaction between AFB₁ and anti-AFB₁ aptamer. The thrombin attached on the microplate catalyzed the cleavage of peptide substrate into detectable product, generating signal for detection. In the presence of AFB₁, free AFB₁ competed with BSA-AFB₁ in the binding to the limited amount of DNA probe, leading to signal decrease. Detection of AFB₁ was achieved by measuring the signal change. Under optimized conditions, AFB₁ was successfully detected in the range from 0.5 nM to 1 μM when fluorogenic peptide substrate of thrombin and fluorescence analysis were applied. The use of chromogenic peptide substrate in the assay allowed the detection of AFB₁ ranging from 0.5 to 125 nM by simple absorbance analysis. The thrombin-linked aptamer assay showed good selectivity towards AFB₁, and enabled the detection of AFB₁ spiked in diluted beer and corn flour. This TLAA strategy extends the analytical application of thrombin and aptamers in detection of small molecules. Graphical abstract.

A simple aptamer-based fluorescent aflatoxin B1 sensor using humic acid as quencher

This work described a fluorometric and aptamer-based assay for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Aptamer-modified carbon dots (DNA-CDs) were first synthesized as fluorescence probes, then reacted with humic acid (HAs) which acted as quencher of the blue fluorescence of the CDs. It was found that HAs can readily adsorb ssDNA aptamers due to the presence of a rich surface chemistry (quinoidal units, aromatic rings and sugar moieties). This resulted in quenching of the fluorescence of the CDs (with excitation/emission peaks at 360/450 nm), probably due to π interactions. If the nanoprobe was reacted with AFB1, the DNA-CDs detached from the HAs and fluorescence was restored. Under optimized experimental conditions, the assay had a linear response in the 0.1-0.8 ng mL^-1 AFB1 concentration range, with a low limit of detection of 70 pg mL^-1.

Electrochemical enzyme-linked oligonucleotide array for aflatoxin B1 detection

In this work, an electrochemical enzyme-linked oligonucleotide array to achieve simple and rapid multidetection of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is presented. The assay is based on a competitive format and disposable screen-printed cells (SPCs). Firstly, the electrodeposition of poly(aniline-anthranilic acid) copolymer (PANI-PAA) on graphite screen-printed working electrodes was performed by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV). Aflatoxin B₁ conjugated with bovine serum albumin (AFB₁-BSA) was then immobilized by covalent binding on PANI-PAA copolymer. After performing the affinity reaction between AFB₁ and the biotinylated DNA-aptamer (apt-BIO), the solution was dropped on the modified SPCs and the competition was carried out. The biotinylated complexes formed onto the sensor surface were coupled with a streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate. 1-naphthyl phosphate was used as enzymatic substrate; the electroactive product was detected by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The response of the enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay was signal-off, according to the competitive format. A dose-response curve was obtained between 0.1 ng mL^-1 and 10 ng mL^-1 and a limit of detection of 0.086 ng mL^-1 was achieved. Finally, preliminary experiments in maize flour samples spiked with AFB₁ were also performed.

Development of a chemiluminescent aptasensor for ultrasensitive and selective detection of aflatoxin B1 in peanut and milk

More and more attention about food safety leads to a research hotspot to develop new detection methods for food contaminant. To address the problems of serious interference and low sensitivity, a chemiluminescent aptasensor for the detection of aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in food was developed in this paper. It is based on horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalyze the luminol chemiluminescence reaction. The hybridization chain reaction (HCR) signal amplification strategy has been used to improve the detection sensitivity. Magnetic separation could further reduce background signal obviously at the same time. AFB1 as a model of analyte to test the capability of our developed assay system. Under the optimal experimental conditions, CL intensity showed a good linear correlation with the concentrations of AFB1 ranging from 0.5 to 40 ng mL^-1. The limit of detection was estimated 0.2 ng mL^-1 based on 3 times of the signal-to-noise ratio which is lower than those of the previously reported sensors. It could be used to detect AFB1 content in real samples, such as peanuts and milk which were purchased in local supermarket. The results proved that the sensing system has good anti-interference and selectivity. In all, it has potential for practical application in food safety field.

Aptamer-Structure Switch Coupled with Horseradish Peroxidase Labeling on a Microplate for the Sensitive Detection of Small Molecules

Detection of small molecules with good sensitivity, high throughput, simplicity, and generality using aptamers is desired but still remains challenging. We described an aptamer-structure-switch assay coupled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeling on microplates for sensitive absorbance and chemiluminescence detection of small molecules. This assay relies on competition for affinity binding to a limited HRP-labeled aptamer between small-molecule targets and immobilized short DNA strands complementary to the aptamer (cDNA) on a microplate. In the absence of targets, the HRP-labeled aptamer hybridizes with the cDNA on the microplate, and HRP catalyzes substrate into product, generating absorbance or chemiluminescence signals. The binding of small-molecule targets to aptamers causes displacement of HRP-labeled aptamers from the cDNA and signal decrease. In chemiluminescence-analysis mode, the assay achieved detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with detection limits of 10 pM, 20 pM, and 20 nM, respectively. This assay does not require enzyme-labeled small molecules or the conjugation of small molecules on solid phase. HRP, as an enzyme label, here allows for easily obtainable and highly active signal amplification. This microplate assay is rapid and promising for high-throughput analysis. It shows potential for wide applications in the detection of small molecules.

A label-free fluorescent aptasensor for the detection of Aflatoxin B1 in food samples using AIEgens and graphene oxide

The detection of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has attracted extensive attention for food safety is a worldwide public health problem. Herein, a novel, simple and label-free fluorescent aptasensor, based on quaternized tetraphenylethene salt (TPE-Z), graphene oxide (GO) and AFB1 aptamer, has been constructed to detect AFB1. In the presence of AFB1, AFB1 aptamer undergoes a conformational switch from single stranded structure to the AFB1/AFB1 aptamer complex upon target binding, which induces the release of TPE-Z/AFB1 aptamer from the surface of GO. Thus, the fluorescence of TPE-Z/AFB1 aptamer is recovered. The assay can be performed by simply mixing TPE-Z, AFB1 aptamer, the GO and the AFB1 samples with a detection limit of 0.25 ng/mL. It is highly selective against other aflatoxins in foods and its performance has been verified in food samples (corn, milk and rice) with known concentration AFB1.

GO-amplified fluorescence polarization assay for high-sensitivity detection of aflatoxin B1 with low dosage aptamer probe

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is the most toxic mycotoxin of the aflatoxins (AFs) and shows carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic effects in humans and animals. AFB₁ is widely seen in cereal products such as rice and wheat. This research proposed a low-cost, high-sensitivity fluorescence polarization (FP) assay for detection of AFB₁ using aptamer biosensors based on graphene oxide (GO). The aptamers labelled with fluorescein amidite (FAM) were adsorbed on the surface of GO through π-π stacking and electrostatic interaction, thus forming aptamer/GO macromolecular complexes. Under these conditions, the local rotation of fluorophores was limited and the system had a high FP value. When there was AFB₁ in the system, aptamers were dissociated from the GO surface and combined with AFB₁ owing to their specificity to form aptamer/AFB₁ complexes. As a result, large changes were observed in the molecular weights of aptamers before, and after, the combination, therefore leading to the apparent changes in FP value. The results showed that when only 10 nM of aptamer was used, the changes in FP and the AFB₁ concentration had a favourable linear relationship within 0.05 to 5 nM of AFB₁, and the lowest detection limit (LOD) was 0.05 nM. In addition, the recoveries of rice sample extract ranged from 89.2% to 112%. The method is simple, highly sensitive, cost-efficient and shows potential application prospects.

Chemiluminescence-based aptasensors for various target analytes

Aptamers (DNA or RNA) have complex three-dimensional shapes that can bind to specific targets. Relative to antibodies, aptamers benefit from their low cost of production, easy chemical modification, high chemical stability, reproducibility, and low levels of immunogenicity and toxicity. However, the true value of aptamers lies in their simplicity by which these molecules can be engineered into sensors as bio-recognition elements in diagnostics, drug discovery and therapy, environmental monitoring and food quality testing, etc. Many different types of techniques, such as optical, electrochemical, radiochemical and piezoelectronic methods, have been applied for the design of aptamer-based methods, in which chemiluminescence (CL) detection techniques have become very popular in recent years. This review focuses on the recent advances in the development of aptamer-based CL sensors for different target detection. We highlight specific examples that showcase the use of aptamers in practical applications, and provide the challenges and opportunities in this promising field.