A team of researchers recently developed an electronic biosensor based on DNA aptamers that can detect biomarkers in whole blood samples without the use of reagents.
About Aptamers:
They are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA (ssDNA or ssRNA) molecules that can selectively bind to a specific target, including proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, small molecules, toxins, and even live cells.
Aptamers assume a variety of shapes due to their tendency to form helices and single-stranded loops.
They can be used as an antibody alternative in a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, and target-binding applications.
They can also be readily conjugated to gold nanoparticles or quantum dots as a basis for point-of-care diagnostics.
Aptamers have been successfully used for the diagnosis and therapy of a broad spectrum of pathogens including bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
What is a Biomarker?
It is a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease.
A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition.
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