Title:Aptamers and Aptasensors as Novel Approach for Microbial Detection and Identification: An Appraisal
Volume: 19
Issue: 13
Author(s): Muhammad Ali Syed*Bushra Jamil
Affiliation:
- Department of Microbiology, University of Haripur, Haripur,Pakistan
Keywords:
SELEX, aptamers, microbial recognition elements, advanced microbial detection, biosensors.
Abstract: Background: Tremendous efforts through dedicated research have been made for the development
of robust, point of care, portable, cost effective, sensitive and specific assays of microbial
detection. Biosensing and nanotechnology offer novel strategies of designing state of the art devices
and assay formats with enhanced sensitivity and all other desired features. Monoclonal antibodies
have been in use as biorecognition elements for decades. However, recent studies have demonstrated
superiority of aptamers to monoclonal antibodies in a number of applications. Many of the research
groups have successfully utilized aptamers as capture probes in developing biosensors for microbial
detection.
Objectives: The main objective of this review article is to present the reader with an overview of the
recent advances made in the field of aptamers and aptasensors for the detection and identification of
microbial agents.
Results: Our search for relevant information on current advances on aptamers and aptasensors has revealed
that a number of successful attempts have been made in the last two decades for the selection
of aptamers as well as their applications in aptasensors for microbial detection.
Conclusion: Aptamers and aptasensors, although in their infancy, may find promising application in
rapid, sensitive, point of care and cost effective microbial detection.
