Advances in detection of infectious agents by aptamer-based technologies

Abstract

Infectious diseases still remain one of the biggest challenges for human health. Accurate and early detection of infectious pathogens are crucial for transmission control, clinical diagnosis, and therapy. For a traditional reason, most immunological and microbiological laboratories are equipped with instruments designated for antibody-based assays in detection of infectious pathogens or clinical diagnosis. Emerging aptamer-based technologies have pushed a shift from antibody-based to aptamer-based assays due to equal specificity, even better sensitivity, lower manufacturing cost and more flexibility in amending for chemiluminescent, electrochemical or fluorescent detection in a multifaceted and high throughput fashion in comparison of aptamer-based to antibody-based assays. The nature of aptamer-based technologies is particularly suitable for point-of-care testing in remote areas at warm or hot atmosphere, and mass screening for potential infection in pandemic of emerging infectious agents, such as SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in an epicentre or other regions. This review intends to summarize currently available aptamer-based technologies in detection of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens for research and clinical application. It is anticipated that potential technologies will be further optimized and validated for clinical translation in meeting increasing demands for prompt, precise, and reliable detection of specific pathogens in various atmospheric conditions.

SELEX-Based Direct Enzyme-Linked Aptamer Assay(DELAA) for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis by Detection of SAG1 Antigen in Sera of Mice and Humans

“…Aptamers-based technique has been employed in the detections of Mycobacterium, Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, Bacillus, and Escherichia, Aspergillus and Penicillium, and HBV, HCV, HIV, SARS-CoV, in uenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and prion protein as well [39]. In the last decade, considerable achievements were made using aptamer-based assay in diagnosing some of the most challenging protozoan parasites infecting humans such as malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, ameobiasis, and cryptosporidiosis in laboratory settings [15]. Lou Y et al selected two speci c aptamers of TGA6 and TGA7 targeting anti-ToxoIgG and developed a quantum dots-labeled dual aptasensor (Q-DAS).…”

“…Aptamer is even more exible when real-time or on-site detection is needed, and has been used for diagnosis and therapeutics of a variety of diseases in recent years. For instance, aptamer, as a practical probe, has presented excellent e cacy in detection of the whole cells or toxins/proteins of bacteria, viruses, fungi, prion proteins, and protozoan parasites [15]. A promising result has been noted in aptamer-based detection of T.gondii.…”

Emerging Options for the Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections and the Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance

“…The major factors complicating the transfer of this technology to POC application include the need for multistep reactions, limited sensitivity (in cases of colorimetric or fluorescent readout), and the need for a high level of sample purity when introducing a second signal amplification step (e.g., with reagents such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-linked immunoglobulins). In addition to classical antibody-based approaches, aptamers are evolving as useful tools for POC diagnosis and detection of corresponding immune responses [ 130 ]. A recent paper by Minopoli and colleagues [ 105 ] reported the use of a combination of aptamers with antibodies in a high-sensitivity plasmonic biosensor for the analysis of whole blood without any additional sample pretreatment.…”

Electrochemical Aptasensors: Current Status and Future Perspectives

“…A multi-electrode array (MEA) of Au microelectrodes modified with 3D electrodeposited nanostructures (3D-GMEs) was used to immobilize the thiol and Fc-modified stem-loop oligonucleotide aptamers receptors specific to AβO or ATP [ 99 ]. The aptamer stem loop receptor for AβO has a closed structure, with the Fc closely approaching the electrode surface, facilitating electron transfer, and causing a high blank current signal.…”

“…Detection methods for infectious pathogens are time-consuming and require expensive equipment and qualified personnel. Aptamer-based technologies are promising diagnostic tools that combine rapid pathogen detection, simplicity, ease of use, operational efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness with the trend towards portable platforms suitable for field testing [ 99 , 100 ].…”