5 Aptamer-Based Medical Devices
121
Fig. 5.3 Schematic illustration of the on-chip aptamer-based sandwich assay. Reproduced from
Ref. [19] by permission of the Royal Society of Chemistry
biomarkers as well when adopting other aptamers. Therefore, it can potentially serve
as a promising device providing widespread clinical applications.
5.2.2 Detection of Other Substances
Besides the biomarkers, there are still many other substances that can reflect human
health, such as certain kinds of hormones, and exosomes. The qualitative and
quantitative analysis of these substances can also provide insights into people’s
health.
Oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone, plays an important role in the dynamic function of the brain and a variety of complex social behaviors including affiliation,
sexual behavior, social recognition, and aggression. It can stimulate mammary gland
to secrete milk, promote the contraction of uterine smooth muscle in the process of
childbirth, promote the effect of maternal love. In addition, it can also reduce the level
of pressure hormone inside human body such as adrenal ketone, in order to reduce
blood pressure, and is considered the first line uterotonic to prevent and treat uterine
atony and manage postpartum hemorrhage. A practical research tool to monitor
peripheral levels of both endogenous and exogenous oxytocin is therefore needed
121
Fig. 5.3 Schematic illustration of the on-chip aptamer-based sandwich assay. Reproduced from
Ref. [19] by permission of the Royal Society of Chemistry
biomarkers as well when adopting other aptamers. Therefore, it can potentially serve
as a promising device providing widespread clinical applications.
5.2.2 Detection of Other Substances
Besides the biomarkers, there are still many other substances that can reflect human
health, such as certain kinds of hormones, and exosomes. The qualitative and
quantitative analysis of these substances can also provide insights into people’s
health.
Oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone, plays an important role in the dynamic function of the brain and a variety of complex social behaviors including affiliation,
sexual behavior, social recognition, and aggression. It can stimulate mammary gland
to secrete milk, promote the contraction of uterine smooth muscle in the process of
childbirth, promote the effect of maternal love. In addition, it can also reduce the level
of pressure hormone inside human body such as adrenal ketone, in order to reduce
blood pressure, and is considered the first line uterotonic to prevent and treat uterine
atony and manage postpartum hemorrhage. A practical research tool to monitor
peripheral levels of both endogenous and exogenous oxytocin is therefore needed