Ochratoxin A (OTA), one of the most dangerous mycotoxins for human health, has been subjected to numerous studies for separation and detection in minimal amounts. Aptamers as novel recognition elements have been employed to fabricate ultrasensitive biosensors for the detection of OTA and designing delicate analytical tools. This review attempted to comprehensively examine all reported aptamer-based detection and separation platforms for ochratoxin. The most relevant databases were considered to discover all specific aptamers for dealing with OTA.Aptamer-based detection and separation devices specified for OTA were searched for, analyzed, discussed, and classified based on their specifications. The optical aptasensors have gathered a higher interest than electrochemical aptasensors, which can achieve a lower limit of detections. Moreover, some extraction platforms based on these aptamers were also found. However, aptamer-based devices seem to have some challenges in their application.

In a recent study, the adenosine monophosphate‐specific aptamer has been applied for the rapid extraction of ochratoxin A. Although several publications have already reported the selection of adenosine monophosphate, adenosine triphosphate, and adenosine, there is no report on the detection of ochratoxin A using this aptamer. The data of the previous study are surprising since its aptamer‐based magnetic metal‐organic framework has shown a high selectivity with a very low detection limit for the selection of ochratoxin A. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that each aptamer can specifically bind to a target by folding into a unique structure and can differentiate molecules that differ by only one functional group. This study aimed to deal with the possibility of recognizing ochratoxin A and adenosine monophosphate by adenosine monophosphate‐specific aptamer. The procedure was performed by determining structural similarity and alignment, docking adenosine monophosphate and ochratoxin A on aptamer, and monitoring the interactions between ochratoxin A and adenosine monophosphate specific aptamer complex. The results indicated not only the lack of structural similarity between adenosine monophosphate and ochratoxin A but also the little possibility for strong bonds between the ochratoxin A and aptamer.