Selective and quantitative cell detection based both on aptamers and the conventional cell-staining methods

Aptamer-based biochips for selective cell detection and quantitation in combination of the recent biochip technology and the conventional cell staining methods are described. Using a model system comprising HER2- or PSMA-positive cells as the analytes and single-stranded RNA aptamers specific for HER2 or PSMA as immobilized ligands on chips, we could demonstrate that aptamers were equivalent or superior to antibodies in terms of specificity and sensitivity, respectively. In particular, our PSMA-specific sensor was found to have the characteristics of good stability, reproducibility and reusability, with detection limit as low as 103 LNCaP cells. In conclusion, we could show the suitability of nucleic acid aptamers as low molecular weight receptors on biochips for sensitive and specific cell detection and quantitation for future diagnostics development.

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► Aptamer-based biochips for selective cell detection and quantitation have been prepared.
► The chips are based on the recent biochip technology and the conventional cell staining methods.
► The chips are advantageous in terms of simplicity, stability, reproducibility and reusability.
► Our PSMA-specific sensor has detection limit of as low as 103 LNCaP cells.
► The developed methodology may allow for an innovative tool for future diagnostics.