Aptamer-based biosensors could revolutionize virus detection

Aptamer-based biosensors could revolutionize virus detection

Fast and reliable virus detection is one of the most important tools for controlling outbreaks, from seasonal flu to global pandemics like COVID-19. A new review published inBiocontaminanthighlights major advances in a promising class of diagnostic tools known as aptamer-based biosensors that could help deliver faster, cheaper and more portable virus testing in clinics, communities and the field.

The study, led by researchers at Dalian University of Technology, examines how short strands of DNA or RNA, called aptamers, are made and integrated into next-generation biosensors for virus detection. Aptamers can bind to viruses with high precision, similar to antibodies, but are easier to produce, more stable at high temperatures, and easier to modify for different sensing platforms.

Reliable virus detection is the foundation of almost every public health response, from patient diagnosis to outbreak surveillance. Our review shows that aptamer-based biosensors are rapidly bridging the gap between laboratory accuracy and practical applicability.”

Jiuxing Li, corresponding author

Traditional virus detection methods such as cell culture, antigen testing and PCR have played an essential role in disease control but come with trade-offs. Cell culture is slow and requires special facilities. Antigen tests may lack sensitivity. PCR is very accurate but requires expensive instruments and trained personnel. These limitations can delay detection, especially in low-resource or high-demand environments.

Aptamer-based biosensors offer a different approach. Aptamers are selected in the laboratory through a process called SELEX, which identifies sequences that bind tightly and specifically to viral targets. Unlike antibodies, aptamers are completely synthetic, allowing precise control over their structure, performance and cost.

The review outlines recent innovations in the selection of aptamers against viral proteins or whole virus particles, including advanced SELEX techniques that improve speed, efficiency and binding performance. These developments allow aptamers to keep pace with rapidly mutating viruses, which is an ongoing challenge for many diagnostic tools.

Once selected, aptamers can be incorporated into a variety of biosensors that convert virus binding into a measurable signal. The authors describe electrochemical sensors that generate electrical signals, fluorescent and color-changing assays that can be read visually, and advanced optical platforms such as surface plasmon resonance and surface-enhanced Raman scattering for highly sensitive detection.

“These biosensors can be developed for rapid testing outside of traditional laboratories,” said co-author Meng Liu. “Some platforms can provide results in minutes, require minimal sample preparation, and can be operated with portable or handheld devices.”

Importantly, the review emphasizes that aptamer-based biosensors are not limited to clinical diagnostics. They also show great potential for environmental monitoring, food safety and early warning systems that detect viruses on surfaces, in water or in the air before outbreaks escalate.

The authors also address remaining challenges, including large-scale validation, standardization, and integration into real-world testing workflows. They note that combining aptamer technology with microfluidics, nanomaterials and data analysis tools could further improve performance and reliability.

“Our goal is to provide a clear framework for researchers and developers,” said Li. “By understanding both the strengths and remaining hurdles, we can accelerate the translation of these biosensors from the laboratory to practical applications.”

As the world continues to prepare for future viral threats, aptamer-based biosensors could become an important part of the global diagnostic toolkit, providing a faster and more flexible way to detect viruses wherever and whenever they appear.

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