Developing aptasensors for forensic analysis

Aptamer-based biosensors may be of significant benefit to forensic analysis by allowing the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of molecular targets relevant to criminal investigation. However, despite the production efficiency, stability and cost effectiveness of aptamer recognition moieties, aptasensors have yet to find commercial employment within any area of forensic science. This review therefore attempts to encourage aptasensor development by initially identifying the methods of selection, sequence analysis and affinity measurement most appropriate for the discovery of suitable aptamers against analytes of forensic interest. A range of optical, electrochemical and mass-sensitive transduction platforms that may be considered amenable to current forensic testing procedures are then discussed. The specific analytical disciplines in which aptasensing technology is likely to be of greatest value, including forensic drug analysis, forensic toxicology and biological evidence and explosives detection are lastly highlighted to stimulate researchers to consider the development of sensors towards these particular target types.