Combination of multiple nucleic acid aptamers for precision detection of tumors based on optical methods

Abstract

Background and purpose: Nucleic acid aptamers are a novel molecular recognition tool that is functionally similar to antibodies but superior to antibodies in terms of thermal stability, structural modification, preparation, and cost, and therefore hold great promise for molecular detection. However, due to the limitations of a single aptamer in molecular detection, the multiple aptamer combination for bioanalysis has received much attention. Here, we reviewed the progress of tumor precision detection based on the combination of multiple nucleic acid aptamers and optical methods and discussed its challenges and prospects.

Methods: The relevant literature in PubMed was collected and reviewed.

Results: The combination of two or more aptamers with modern nanomaterials and analytical methods allows the fabrication of various detection systems for the simultaneous detection of different structural domains of a substance and/or different substances, including soluble tumor markers, tumor cell surface and intracellular markers, circulating tumor cells, and other tumor-related biomolecules, which has great potential for application in efficient and precise tumor detection.

Conclusion: The combination of multiple nucleic acid aptamers provides a new approach for the precise detection of tumors and will play an important role in precision medicine for tumors.

Keywords: Aptamer; Multiplex detection; Precision medicine; Tumor; Tumor marker.