Title:Aptamers and New Bioreceptors for the Electrochemical Detection of
Biomarkers Expressed in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Volume: 29
Issue: 25
Author(s): Alexandra Pusta, Mihaela Tertis, Florin Graur, Cecilia Cristea*Nadim Al Hajjar
Affiliation:
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy,“Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and
Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Keywords:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), aptamers, biomarkers, electrochemical biosensors, DNA sequences, miRNAs.
Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy associated with high mortality and
increasing incidence. Early detection of this disease could help increase survival and
overall patient benefit. Non-invasive strategies for the diagnosis of this medical condition
are of utmost importance. In this scope, the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers
can provide a useful diagnostic tool. Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNAs
or RNAs that can specifically bind selected analytes and act as pseudo-biorecognition elements
that can be employed for electrode functionalization. Also, other types of DNA sequences
can be used to construct DNA-based biosensors applied for the quantification of
hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers. Herein, we analyze recent examples of aptasensors
and DNA biosensors for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers, like micro-
RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, exosomes, circulating tumor cells, and proteins. The
literature data are discussed comparatively in a critical manner, highlighting the advantages
of using electrochemical biosensors in diagnosis, as well as the use of nanomaterials
and biocomponents in the functionalization of electrodes for improved sensitivity
and selectivity.