APTAMER BASED BIOASSAYS FOR SINGLE-STEP REAGENTLESS MULTIPLEXING ON A BIOCHIP

Abstract

In this study, designs of a bioassay to achieve single-step reagentless multiplexing were investigated. DNA or RNA aptamers specifically for popular biomarkers such as inflammatory cytokines were integrated into novel designs embedding on silica beads. Several approaches were proposed to detect the analyte on the bead-based platform so that multiplexing would be possible. These approaches involved different format of detection and the performance varied based on the property of individual aptamer as well as the design itself. Optimization and verification of the assay was conducted to prove the mechanism of the single-step detection can be adopted to detect any other analyte with the multiplexing feature. These fabricated bioassay can all be used to detect specified targets with one single step, addition of the sample on the chip platform and removal after a short incubation time. No additional reagent is needed and washing step is also not required. In this manner, human error is minimized on the users’ end. Further optimization can be potentially achieved by modification of the designs I proposed, along with discovery of aptamers of better performance.