Aptasensor for environmental monitoring

Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) capable of folding into well-defined structures and motifs that allow them bind to various target molecules with high specificity and affinity. The crucial ability of aptamers is interaction with a given target from small ions to molecular level that makes them useful in many applications for specific detection of various analytes. Nowadays aptamer is an effective tool not only for in vitro research in diagnostic methods, drug delivery and treatment therapy, but also for the development of nucleic-acid-based sensors in industrial waste management, pollution control and environmental toxicology. This mini review is focused on discussion and updating about the global researches in nucleic-acid-based sensors for environmental issues.