Detection of Alpha-Fetoprotein Using Aptamer-Based Sensors

Abstract

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is widely-known as the most commonly used protein biomarker for liver cancer diagnosis at the early stage. Therefore, developing the highly sensitive and reliable method of AFP detection is of essential demand for practical applications. Herein, two types of aptamer-based AFP detection methods, i.e., optical and electrochemical biosensors, are reviewed in detail. The optical biosensors include Raman spectroscopy, dual-polarization interferometry, resonance light-scattering, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence. The electrochemical biosensors include cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and giant magnetic impedance. Looking into the future, methods for AFP detection that are high sensitivity, long-term stability, low cost, and operation convenience will continue to be developed.

Emerging Biosensing Methods to Monitor Lung Cancer Biomarkers in Biological Samples: A Comprehensive Review

“…There are several types of analytical principles that have been used for the detection of AFP using aptamers as recognition receptors, integrated with various transduction methods such as colorimetry, electrochemical luminescence, fluorescence, SPR, photoelectrochemical and SEARS. Many aptasensors have been discussed in recent reviews, which describe the materials used, the method of detection, the detection range, and the LODs [ 191 , 192 ]. Recently, Upan et al developed an SPGE modified with PtNPs on carboxylated graphene oxide (PtNPs/GO-COOH) as a sensing platform for AFP detection.…”

Development of Shark Single Domain Antibodies Specific for Human α-Fetoprotein and the Multimerization Strategy in Serum Detection

“…Currently, many methods have been developed for AFP assays, such as immune radiation monitoring, electrochemiluminescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Regrettably, some limitations such as potential threats to human health, low sensitivity, and stability restrict the application of these methods. , Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) that combines immunoassay with chemiluminescence technology is increasingly considered a viable alternative owing to its broad dynamic range, rapidity of reaction, and high sensitivity . An alternative way for signal amplification is to use an efficient enhancer or increase the number of labels conjugated to antibodies.…”

Ultrasensitive detection of CA125 based on a triple signal amplification strategy with a huge number of loaded probes via exonuclease cyclic cleavage, rolling cyclic amplification and strand self-growth

“…19 The combination of aptamers with various instrumental analysis methods, such as ECL, for protein detection has been widely used. 20–23 However, for the early detection of tumors such as ovarian cancer, these methods are still not sensitive enough to obtain valuable analytical results. A variety of isothermal nucleic acid amplification strategies have been proposed to improve the detection sensitivity, including rolling circle amplification (RCA), 24 strand displacement reaction (SDA), 25 loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), 26 hybridization chain reaction (HCR), 27 and so on.…”