Nucleic-acid aptamers have attracted intense interest and found wide applications in a range of areas. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the development of aptamer-based biosensors and bioassay methods, most of which have employed electrochemical, optical and mass-sensitive analytical techniques. Aptamers exhibit many advantages as recognition elements in biosensing when compared to traditional antibodies. They are small in size, chemically stable and cost effective. More importantly, aptamers offer remarkable flexibility and convenience in the design of their structures, which has led to novel biosensors that have exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity. Recently, the combination of aptamers with novel nanomaterials has significantly improved the performance of aptamer-based sensors, which we also review in this article. In view of the unprecedented advantages brought by aptamers, we expect aptamer-based biosensors to find broad applications in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and homeland security. Natural selection is one of the basic mechanisms of evolution, which was discovered by Darwin over 150 years ago. However, the importance of artificial, invitro selection was recognized much later. Aptamers are an excellent example of functional molecules selected in vitro. In 1990, two groups independently developed in-vitro selection and amplification for the isolation of RNA sequences that could specifically bind to target molecules. These functional RNA oligonucleotides were then termed aptamers, derived from the Latin aptus, meaning ‘‘to fit’’. Later, DNA-based aptamers were also found. Since its discovery, aptamer technology has received tremendous attention in scientific and industrial communities. After nearly 20 years endeavor, DNA and RNA aptamers have been identified as binding tightly to a broad range of targets (e.g., proteins, peptides, amino acids, drugs, metal ions and even whole cells), especially with the development of rapid, automated, selection technologies. Aptamers often possess high affinity for their targets, which is derived from their capability of folding upon binding with their target molecule (i.e. they can either incorporate small molecules into their nucleic acid structure or be integrated into the structure of macromolecules (e.g., proteins).

Submit manuscripts at https://www.scholarscentral.org/submissions/industrial-electronics-applications.html or an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at manuscript@scitechnol.com

Best Regards,
Editorial Manager
Journal of Industrial Electronics and Applications
Email: industrialelect@peerreviewedjournal.org