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Antibodies and Aptamers Used as Molecular Recognition Components in Sensing Platforms

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 2382

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Guest Editor
Department of Biosensors, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Str. 10, 10-693 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: electrochemical biosensors; redox-active layers; medical diagnostics; analytical chemistry
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The interfacial molecular recognition phenomenon is a key aspect taken into account in the developed sensor systems. The type of the probe molecule and its spatial arrangement undeniably determine the properties of the bio interface. There has been ongoing competition between antibodies and aptamers used as molecular recognition components in sensing platforms. Indeed, the number of available aptamer molecules is still insufficient to directly compare them with existing antibodies. However, due to the increasing awareness of the significant advantages of aptamers over conventional antibodies, an increasing demand for aptamer-based diagnostics is expected within the next few years. Aptamers are characterized by a high efficiency toward specific analytes, less immunogenicity as compared with antibodies, ease of synthesis and minimum cost. They can bind large and small molecules as well. On the other hand, comparative experimental studies, based on aptamers and antibodies used as molecular probes under equivalent conditions, are limited, and the results are ambiguous regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each bioreceptor type.

Considering the importance of this topic, the main goal of this Special Issue is to collect original research manuscripts or reviews, including electrochemical, optical and other existing methodologies. The purpose of this SI is to underline the efficiency of antibodies vs. aptamers used as molecular recognition components in sensing platforms.  

Dr. Iwona Grabowska
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • aptasensors
  • immunosensors
  • electrochemical systems
  • optical systems
  • molecular recognition

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

27 pages, 2298 KiB  
Review
New Insights into Aptamers: An Alternative to Antibodies in the Detection of Molecular Biomarkers
by Michaela Domsicova, Jana Korcekova, Alexandra Poturnayova and Albert Breier
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25136833 - 21 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2081
Abstract
Aptamers are short oligonucleotides with single-stranded regions or peptides that recently started to transform the field of diagnostics. Their unique ability to bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity is at least comparable to many traditional biorecognition elements. Aptamers are [...] Read more.
Aptamers are short oligonucleotides with single-stranded regions or peptides that recently started to transform the field of diagnostics. Their unique ability to bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity is at least comparable to many traditional biorecognition elements. Aptamers are synthetically produced, with a compact size that facilitates deeper tissue penetration and improved cellular targeting. Furthermore, they can be easily modified with various labels or functional groups, tailoring them for diverse applications. Even more uniquely, aptamers can be regenerated after use, making aptasensors a cost-effective and sustainable alternative compared to disposable biosensors. This review delves into the inherent properties of aptamers that make them advantageous in established diagnostic methods. Furthermore, we will examine some of the limitations of aptamers, such as the need to engage in bioinformatics procedures in order to understand the relationship between the structure of the aptamer and its binding abilities. The objective is to develop a targeted design for specific targets. We analyse the process of aptamer selection and design by exploring the current landscape of aptamer utilisation across various industries. Here, we illuminate the potential advantages and applications of aptamers in a range of diagnostic techniques, with a specific focus on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) aptasensors and their integration into the well-established ELISA method. This review serves as a comprehensive resource, summarising the latest knowledge and applications of aptamers, particularly highlighting their potential to revolutionise diagnostic approaches. Full article
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