Whole-cell Systemic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX) is the process by which aptamers specific to target cells are developed. Aptamers selected by whole-cell SELEX have high affinity and specificity for bacterial surface molecules and live bacterial targets. To identify DNA aptamers specific to Staphylococcus aureus, we applied our rapid whole-cell SELEX method to a single-stranded ssDNA library. To improve the specificity and selectivity of the aptamers, we designed, selected, and developed two categories of aptamers that were selected by two kinds of whole-cell SELEX, by mixing and combining FACS analysis and a counter-SELEX process. Using this approach, we have developed a biosensor system that employs a high affinity aptamer for detection of target bacteria. FAM-labeled aptamer sequences with high binding to S. aureus, as determined by fluorescence spectroscopic analysis, were identified, and aptamer A14, selected by the basic whole-cell SELEX using a once-off FACS analysis, and which had a high binding affinity and specificity, was chosen. The binding assay was evaluated using FACS analysis. Our study demonstrated the development of a set of whole-cell SELEX derived aptamers specific to S. aureus; this approach can be used in the identification of other bacteria.

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Purpose: This study was performed to develop a lateral flow strip sensor for the detection of pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in various samples. Also, feasibility of using an image analysis method to improve the interpretation of the strip sensor was evaluated. Methods: The lateral flow strip sensor has been fabricated based on nitrocellulose lateral-flow membrane. Colloidal gold and E. coli O157:H7 antibodies were used as a tag and a receptor, respectively. Manually spotted E. coli O157:H7 antibody and anti-mouse antibody on nitrocellulose membrane were used as test and control dots, respectively. Feasibility of the lateral flow strip sensor to detect E. coli O157:H7 were evaluated with serially diluted E. coli O157:H7 cells in PBS or food samples. Test results of the lateral flow strip sensor were measured with an image analysis method. Results: The intensity of the test dot started to increase with higher concentration of the cells were introduced. The sensitivities of the sensor were both 10 4 CFU/mL Escherichia coli O157:H7 spiked in PBS and in chicken meat extract, respectively. Conclusions: The lateral flow strip sensor and image analysis method could detect E. coli O157:H7 in 20 min, which is significantly quicker than conventional plate counting method.

Purpose: This review aims to introduce aptamers and the methods of its development to improve the sensitivity and selectivity to target bacteria. In this review, we have highlighted current developments and directions in the pathogen detection based on aptamers. Background: Aptamers, the specific nucleic acid sequences, can bind to targets with high affinity and specificity. Some of researches on the use of aptamers for the detection of pathogen have been reported in recent years. Aptamers have more applicability than antibodies for the development of pathogen detection using biosensor; such as easy to synthesis and labeling, lack of immunogenicity, and a low cost of production. However, only few reports on the development and use of aptamers for the detection of pathogen have been published. Review: Aptamers specific to pathogen are obtained by whole-cell systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) process. SELEX process is composed of screening random oligonucleotide bound with target cells, multiple separation and amplification of nucleic acids, final identification of the best sequences. For improving those affinity and selectivity to target bacteria, optimization of multiple separating process to remove unbounded oligonucleotides from aptamer candidates and sorting process by flow cytometry are required.