An aptamer-biosensor for azole class antifungal drugs

TL;DR

This paper reports the development of a DNA aptamer-based biosensor for detecting azole antifungal drugs, utilizing SELEX, structural analysis, and graphene FET technology to improve therapeutic drug monitoring.

Contribution

It introduces a novel aptamer and a biosensing platform for azole antifungals, enhancing detection specificity and potential clinical application.

Findings

Aptamer exhibits specific binding to azole antifungals.

Structural analysis reveals a unique G-quadruplex essential for binding.

GFET device successfully measures drug binding strength.

Abstract

This report describes the development of an aptamer for sensing azole antifungal drugs for therapeutic drug monitoring. Modified Synthetic Evolution of Ligands through Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) was used to discover a DNA aptamer recognizing azole class antifungal drugs. This aptamer undergoes a secondary structural change upon binding to its target molecule as shown through fluorescence anisotropy-based binding measurements. Experiments using circular dichroism spectroscopy, revealed a unique double G-quadruplex structure that was essential and specific for binding to the azole antifungal target. Aptamer-functionalized Graphene Field Effect Transistor (GFET) devices were created and used to measure the binding of strength of azole antifungals to this surface. In total this aptamer and the supporting sensing platform could provide a valuable tool for improving the treatment of patients with invasive fungal infections.