Liquid Crystal Based Binding Assay for Detecting HIV-1 Surface Glycoprotein

Surface protein gp-120 of HIV-1 virus plays an important role in the infection of HIV-1, but detection of gp-120 during the early stage of infection is very difficult. Herein, we report a binding bioassay based on an RNA aptamer B40t77, which binds specifically to gp-120. The bioassay is built upon a hydrophobic glass slide with surface immobilized gp-120. When the glass surface is incubated in a solution containing B40t77, the aptamer is able to bind to gp-120 specifically and remove it from the surface after a short incubation time of 30 min. The result of the binding event can be amplified by using liquid crystal (LC) into optical signals in the final step. By using this bioassay, we are able to detect as low as 1 μg/ml of gp-120 with high specificity within 30 min. No response is obtained when gp-120 is replaced by other protein such as bovine serum albumin (BSA). This is the first qualitative bioassay which provides a simple way for the detection of gp-120 with the naked eye. The assay is robust, low-cost and does not require additional labeling. Thus, the bioassay is potentially useful for the early detection of HIV-1 in resources-limited regions.

An LC-MS/MS method for protein detection based on a mass barcode and dual-target recognition strategy

A mass barcode mediated signal amplification strategy was developed and applied to the determination of protein. A new compound, N'-((2-aminopyridin-3-yl)methylene)-5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl)pentanehydrazide (TAPA), was synthesized from the linker and the signal barcode, and used as the bonding barcode. For the realization of signal transduction, TAPAs and the target catcher aptamers, were both modified on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to establish the relationship between TAPAs and the target. Owing to the fact that the amount of TAPAs was much greater than the target, the signal of the target was not only transduced to the signal of the mass barcodes, but also amplified greatly. Thrombin, an important biomarker for coagulation abnormality diseases, was selected as a model analyte. Two kinds of thrombin recognition aptamers, aptamer 29 (apt29) and aptamer 15 (apt15), were modified onto the magnetic beads (MBs) and AuNPs, respectively. The modified AuNPs were further functionalized with lots of TAPA and formed apt15-AuNPs-TAPA. MBs-apt29 and apt15-AuNPs-TAPA could both recognize the target thrombin and form the sandwich complex (MBs-apt29/thrombin/apt15-AuNPs-TAPA). After the complex was separated by an extra magnetic field, NaClO oxidant solution was added to release the signal barcodes, 2-Amino-3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (APA), which were then collected after centrifuging and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Under optimized conditions, the mass response intensity was proportional to thrombin concentration in the range of 0.05-10 nM, with a 0.007 nM detection limit. This method was applied to the determination of thrombin in spiked serum samples, and the average recoveries ranged from 89.6% to 110.4%, which confirmed the applicability of this method.

DNA origami-based aptasensors

Traditional analytical techniques face many limitations such as time-consuming process, complicated sample preparation, high consumption of reagents and need for expensive equipment. So, it is important that simple, rapid and sensitive detection methods are introduced. Nucleic acids-based assays, particularly aptamers, have a great impact on modern life sciences for biological analysis and target detection. Aptamer-based biosensors with unique recognition properties including high specificity and affinity, rapid response and simple fabrication have attracted much attention. It is believed that two- and three-dimensional structures, sometimes referred to as DNA origami, using DNA aptamers can show more selective binding affinity and better stability over other nucleic acids forms. In this review, we will focus on recent advances in the development and uses of electrochemical and optical DNA origami-based aptasensors to supply readers with a comprehensive understanding of their improvements. Also, the challenges and awards of these approaches are discussed.

Electrochemical Immuno- and Aptasensors for Mycotoxin Determination

Modern analysis of food and feed is mostly focused on development of fast and reliable portable devices intended for field applications. In this review, electrochemical biosensors based on immunological reactions and aptamers are considered in the determination of mycotoxins as one of most common contaminants able to negatively affect human health. The characteristics of biosensors are considered from the point of view of general principles of bioreceptor implementation and signal transduction providing sub-nanomolar detection limits of mycotoxins. Moreover, the modern trends of bioreceptor selection and modification are discussed as well as future trends of biosensor development for mycotoxin determination are considered.

A simple and sensitive resonance light scattering method based on aggregation of gold nanoparticles for selective detection of microRNA-21

A novel resonance light scattering method based on analyte-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles for the determination of microRNAs was developed.

Three label-free thrombin aptasensors based on aptamers and [Ru(bpy)2(o-mopip)]2+

The label free aptasensor based on an aptamer pair and [Ru(bpy)₂(o-mopip)]²⁺–GO has been successfully applied to sandwich assays for thrombin detection.