Advances in Design Strategies of Multiplex Electrochemical Aptasensors

Abstract

In recent years, the need for simple, fast, and economical detection of food and environmental contaminants, and the necessity to monitor biomarkers of different diseases have considerably accelerated the development of biosensor technology. However, designing biosensors capable of simultaneous determination of two or more analytes in a single measurement, for example on a single working electrode in single solution, is still a great challenge. On the other hand, such analysis offers many advantages compared to single analyte tests, such as cost per test, labor, throughput, and convenience. Because of the high sensitivity and scalability of the electrochemical detection systems on the one hand and the specificity of aptamers on the other, the electrochemical aptasensors are considered to be highly effective devices for simultaneous detection of multiple-target analytes. In this review, we describe and evaluate multi-label approaches based on (1) metal quantum dots and metal ions, (2) redox labels, and (3) enzyme labels. We focus on recently developed strategies for multiplex sensing using electrochemical aptasensors. Furthermore, we emphasize the use of different nanomaterials in the construction of these aptasensors. Based on examples from the existing literature, we highlight recent applications of multiplexed detection platforms in clinical diagnostics, food control, and environmental monitoring. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the aptasensors developed so far, and debate possible challenges and prospects.

Analyzing Electrochemical Sensing Fundamentals for Health Applications

“…Recently, simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes in a single solution using a single electrode or multiple electrodes has been attracting attention from researchers in various fields, from disease diagnosis to food safety and environmental monitoring. [232,233] This approach offers the most economical, rapid, and complete information on the solution being analyzed. [234] In many cases, the detection of multiple analytes is required to determine an individual's health status.…”

Aptasensors for the detection of infectious pathogens: design strategies and point-of-care testing

“…Aptamers specific for different targets can be labeled with distinguishable signal tags and integrated onto one single platform for multiplexed biosensing. Toward the development of highly efficient, on-site, and cost-effective simultaneous screening methods, multiplexed aptasensors have been designed for the detection of antibiotics, mycotoxins, and pathogens [185,223,224]. For example, an aptamer-immobilized LSPR-based sensor was used to detect and identify three different bacterial species (Lactobacillus acidophilus, S. typhimurium, and P. aeruginosa) in a multiplexed mode [225].…”

Simultaneous Electrochemical Detection of LDL and MDA-LDL Using Antibody-Ferrocene or Anthraquinone Conjugates Coated Magnetic Beads

“…One possible solution to this problem is the multiplexed detection of few biomarkers in a single analysis [ 8 ]. Among different detection techniques used in multiplexed approaches, electrochemical biosensors recently gained much scientific interest, including immunosensors [ 9 ] and aptasensors [ 10 ].…”