Nanomaterials-based aptasensors: An efficient detection tool for heavy-metal and metalloid ions in environmental and biological samples

Environ Res. 2023 Dec 1;238(Pt 1):117170. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117170. Epub 2023 Sep 16.

Abstract

In light of potential risks of heavy metal exposure, diverse aptasensors have been developed through the combination of aptamers with nanomaterials for the timely and efficient detection of metals in environmental and biological matrices. Aptamer-based sensors can benefit from multiple merits such as heightened sensitivity, facile production, uncomplicated operation, exceptional specificity, enhanced stability, low immunogenicity, and cost-effectiveness. This review highlights the detection capabilities of nanomaterial-based aptasensors for heavy-metal and metalloid ions based on their performance in terms of the basic quality assurance parameters (e.g., limit of detection, linear dynamic range, and response time). Out of covered studies, dendrimer/CdTe@CdS QDs-based ECL aptasensor was found as the most sensitive option with an LOD of 2.0 aM (atto-molar: 10-18 M) detection for Hg2+. The existing challenges in the nanomaterial-based aptasensors and their scientific solutions are also discussed.

Keywords: Aptasensor; Biological samples; Environmental monitoring; Heavy metals; Nanomaterials.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide*
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Cadmium Compounds*
  • Ions
  • Metalloids*
  • Metals, Heavy*
  • Nanostructures*
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Tellurium

Substances

  • cadmium telluride
  • Cadmium Compounds
  • Metalloids
  • Tellurium
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Ions