Aptamer Sensor Complex for Target Detection via Strand Cleavage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aptamer-based sensors face challenges in achieving both strong double-strand holding ability in the absence of a target material and efficient cleavage during binding, leading to limitations in detection accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an aptamer complex with a first nucleic acid fragment and a fixing member, where the aptamer forms a double strand with the nucleic acid fragment, allowing for separation and detection of the cleavage upon target material binding, thereby improving detection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an aptamer is fixed on an electrode to detect target material, then the detection mechanism can be established, but the detection accuracy is limited due to unpredictable conformational changes and variable distances between electrode reactants and electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
A complementary strand is introduced as an intermediary component between the aptamer and the electrode reactant. This complementary strand forms a double-stranded nucleic acid region with the aptamer, serving as a stable mediator that transmits conformational changes from the aptamer to the electrode reactant without requiring direct attachment, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the aptamer (target recognition element), the complementary strand (signal transmission element), and the electrode reactant (detection element). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the complementary strand acting as a bridge that ensures reliable signal transmission regardless of aptamer conformational variability
2Stability of the object's composition
If the binding strength between aptamer and complementary strand is increased to improve double-strand holding ability, then stability is improved, but the cleavage ability during target binding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the nucleic acid structure are assigned different binding strengths: the double-stranded region between the aptamer and complementary strand is designed with optimal holding strength for stability, while the aptamer-target binding region maintains high affinity for effective cleavage. This local differentiation of binding properties allows simultaneous optimization of both holding and cleavage abilities
Solution Approach 2:
The binding characteristics are optimized by adjusting parameters such as the length and sequence composition of the complementary strand, and the temperature and ionic conditions of the assay. These parameter changes enable fine-tuning of the double-strand holding strength to balance stability with cleavage ability during target binding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the detection accuracy and reliability of target materials by balancing the double-strand holding and cleaving abilities, allowing for effective signal changes and improved sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
an aptamer includes a double strand-forming site capable of forming a double strand with the first nucleic acid fragment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a target material (3) includes: a step of preparing a complex (11), the complex including an aptamer (1) to which a target material (3) in a specimen specifically binds, a first nucleic acid fragment (2) that has a base sequence complementary to the aptamer (1), and a fixing member (4) to which a part of the aptamer (1) and a part of the first nucleic acid fragment (2) are fixed, in which the aptamer (1) has a double strand-forming site (5) capable of forming a double strand with the first nucleic acid fragment (2); a step of separating the first nucleic acid fragment 92) from the double strand-forming site (5) of the aptamer (1) by binding the target material (3) to the aptamer (1); and a step of detecting the cleavage of the double strand.