Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is widely-known as the most commonly used protein biomarker for liver cancer diagnosis at the early stage. Therefore, developing the highly sensitive and reliable method of AFP detection is of essential demand for practical applications. Herein, two types of aptamer-based AFP detection methods, i.e., optical and electrochemical biosensors, are reviewed in detail. The optical biosensors include Raman spectroscopy, dual-polarization interferometry, resonance light-scattering, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence. The electrochemical biosensors include cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and giant magnetic impedance. Looking into the future, methods for AFP detection that are high sensitivity, long-term stability, low cost, and operation convenience will continue to be developed.
Keywords: Alpha-fetoprotein; aptamer; detection; electrochemical biosensors; optical biosensors.