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Abstract
The aim of this work was to review the development of aptamer‐based assay understanding for possible diagnostic applications. The use of new affinity ligands such as the single strand DNA is particularly suitable for large‐scale synthesis and overcomes the disadvantages of antibodies or enzymes, which are often unstable and expensive. The latest class of potential aptamers is enantiomeric aptamers composed of l‐nucleotides, the so‐called spiegelmers. Attributing to the unnatural sugars used, spiegelmers are resistant to host nucleases, exploring the possibility to work in a complex matrix‐like blood.
After analyzing the strategies reported in the literature for the detection of the aptamer‐target complex formation, we reported our experience in the realization of two bioassays, based on electrochemical or colorimetric detection, using the unusual aptamer for the detection of ghrelin.
This work can open interesting applications in biosensing technology. There are few analytical reports on bioassay using spiegelmers. The new field is extremely interesting, considering that these new analytical tools hold an enormous promise for a fast and simple diagnosis of genetic problems in real matrices.
We wish to thank NOXXON Pharma AG for kindly supplying the spiegelmer Nox‐B11, and in particular Dr. Sven Klussmann for his constant support. This research was in part supported by MEIF‐CT‐2005‐011588 within the 6th European Community Framework Programme.
