Aptamer optical biosensor without bio-breakage using upconversion nanoparticles as donors

摘要

LRET-based optical biosensor of an aptamer-upconversion conjugate was constructed. It is demonstrated that photosensitized breakage and damage of aptamers are eliminated by employing UCNPs as donors, and the as-designed biosensor is specific and sensitive in the detection of ATP.Aptamers are a special class of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), that can bind with high affinity and specificity to a wide range of target molecules, such as organic dyes, amino acids, antibiotics, peptides, vitamins, proteins and even whole cells or microorganisms. As recognition elements in biosensors, aptamers are superior to traditional antibodies, in terms of their small size, simple production, long storage, high reproducibility and easy modification.