Determination of microcystin-LR, employing aptasensors

Abstract

Cyanobacteria produce toxins such as microcystin-LR (MC-LR), which are associated with potential hepatotoxicity in humans. The detection of cyanobacteria and their toxins in drinking water and sea food is therefore crucial. To date, methods such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA), and Raman spectroscopy have been employed to monitor MC-LR levels. Although these techniques are precise and sensitive, they require expensive instrumentation, well-trained personnel and involve time-consuming processes meaning that their application is generally limited to well-resourced, centralised laboratory facilities. Among the emerging MC-LR detection methods, aptasensors have received great attention because of their remarkable sensitivity, selectivity, and simplicity. Aptamers, also known as "chemical" or "artificial antibodies", serve as the recognition moieties in aptasensors. This review explores the current state-of-the-art of MC-LR aptasensor platforms, evaluating the advantages and, limitations of typical transduction technologies to identify the most efficient detection system for the potentially harmful cyanobacteria associated toxin.

A Mini-Review on Detection Methods of Microcystins

“…Aptasensors are biosensors that employ aptamer as recognition element. In developing aptasensors, nanomaterials that are regarded as potential agents are mostly considered because of their physico-chemical properties including small size, disposability and high surface area [ 158 ]. Various highly specific and sensitive aptasensors-based optical (such as colorimetric, fluorescent, SERS, Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensors) and electrochemical-based aptasensors currently exist for the determination of MC-LR [ 158 , 159 , 160 ].…”

“…In developing aptasensors, nanomaterials that are regarded as potential agents are mostly considered because of their physico-chemical properties including small size, disposability and high surface area [ 158 ]. Various highly specific and sensitive aptasensors-based optical (such as colorimetric, fluorescent, SERS, Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensors) and electrochemical-based aptasensors currently exist for the determination of MC-LR [ 158 , 159 , 160 ]. A novel aptasensor based on SERS where MC-LR aptamer and its corresponding complementary DNA fragments (cDNA) were conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), respectively, used as signal and capture probes (aptamer-AuNPs and cDNA-MNPs conjugates) was constructed and applied for highly sensitive MC-LR detection.…”

A fluorescence sensing platform of theophylline based on the interaction of RNA aptamer with graphene oxide

“…Aptasensors based on the recognition of aptamer and target has been explored and widely applied in bioanalysis because of its fast response time, good specicity and selectivity. Up to now, combining with different signal readouts, various aptasensors were developed including electrochemical, 6 uorescent, 7 colorimetric, 8 electrochemiluminescence 9 and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) etc., which have displayed a good future in the detection of small molecules, proteins and drugs, etc. Among these aptasensors, uorescent aptasensors have attracted special attention because their excellent features such as high sensitivity, high efficiency and simple operation etc.…”

What Electrochemical Biosensors Can Do for Forensic Science? Unique Features and Applications

“…Among these, microcystin-LR (MC-LR), produced by cyanobacteria, is one of the most toxic. Because of their sensitivity and relative simplicity, aptasensing strategies have received great attention for the detection of MC-LR [91]. Gan et al reported a multiple amplified enzyme-free biosensor for MC-LR detection using G-quadruplex/hemin functionalized mesoporous silica with redox-active intercalators [92].…”