Aptamer-engineered (nano)materials for theranostic applications

Abstract

A diverse array of organic and inorganic materials, including nanomaterials, has been extensively employed in multifunctional biomedical applications. These applications encompass drug/gene delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors, photodynamic and photothermal therapy, and combinatorial sciences. Surface and bulk engineering of these materials, by incorporating biomolecules and aptamers, offers several advantages such as decreased cytotoxicity, improved stability, enhanced selectivity/sensitivity toward specific targets, and expanded multifunctional capabilities. In this comprehensive review, we specifically focus on aptamer-modified engineered materials for diverse biomedical applications. We delve into their mechanisms, advantages, and challenges, and provide an in-depth analysis of relevant literature references. This critical evaluation aims to enhance the scientific community's understanding of this field and inspire new ideas for future research endeavors.

Metallic nanostructure-based aptasensors for robust detection of proteins

“…There is a crucial requirement for a discovery procedure and aptamer generation methodology to overcome these issues. [35][36][37][38] Microuidic paper-based analytical devices (mPADs) and electrochemical sensors offer multiplexed testing capabilities, and show potential as diagnostic tools. Progress in materials, microfabrication techniques, and electronics is facilitating the rapid commercialization of biosensor technologies, mitigating material-related cost and quality barriers.…”

Aptamers for the Delivery of Plant-Based Compounds: A Review

“…Nanomaterials, with unique properties like small size (optimal being below <100–200 nm [ 85 ]) and high loading capacity, overcome the limitations of traditional approaches [ 80 , 86 ]. Advancing nanomedicine hinges on improving the precise identification of diseased tissues, and the synergistic partnership between aptamers and nanomaterials shows potential for targeted drug delivery [ 87 , 88 ].…”

“…Inorganic options provide high surface-to-volume ratios and controlled drug release, while organic nanomaterials, such as liposomes and micelle structures, demonstrate biocompatibility and efficient drug loading. Target-responsive DNA hydrogels, among aptamer-based organic nanomaterials, stand out for their mechanical properties and programmable features, making them valuable in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications [ 80 , 88 ].…”

Revolutionizing biomedicine: Aptamer-based nanomaterials and nanodevices for therapeutic applications

“…The aptamer-lipid micelles were thereby given increased stability for imaging applications by this covalent bonding technique [ 127 ]. The ambiguous property that these DNA micelles display greatly improves their ability to bind to certain targets with aptamers, therefore have a lot of promise for use in biosensors and gene delivery systems [ 129 , 130 ]. Various imaging molecules can be loaded onto polymer nanostructures for applications where polymers such as poly (D,L-lactic acid) or poly (D,L-glycolic acid) are mostly used [ [9] , [131] ].…”

“…These DNA hydrogels are highly biocompatible and have outstanding moisture content, making them appropriate for a variety of purposes. Moreover, the DNA modules incorporated into the hydrogel had distinct detection skills in detecting and targeting biomarkers [ 129 ]. Structures like employing three chemical substances to create the DNA nanohydrogels prepared where, Y-shaped monomer A (YMA), Y-shaped monomer B (YMB) and DNA linker, in which one can regulate the size of DNA nanohydrogel.…”