Chapter 3
Aptamer-Based Point of Care Testing
Schemes
Ghulam Murtaza, Aysha Sarfraz Rizvi, and Feng Qu
Abstract This chapter introduces the well-established and novel diagnostic platforms based on aptamers as molecular recognition elements, which are currently
being considered for use in point-of-care testing (POCT). Relevant technologies
include lateral flow test strips, interferometry, DNA origami nanoboxes, capacitive
aptasensors, microfluidics, nanoparticle-based aptasensors, and multiplex technologies suitable for rapid and facile POCT schemes. Advantages of using aptamers over
antibodies in such POCT platforms are elucidated in each case.
Keywords Aptamers · Point-of-care testing · Aptasensors · Lateral flow test
strips · DNA origami nanoboxes · Nanoparticle-based aptasensors
3.1 Introduction
Point-of-care testing (POCT) has created a paradigm shift in the field of in vitro
diagnostics (IVD) by increasing the speed, accuracy, reduction in turn-around time,
independence from sophisticated instruments, and less reliance on skilled personnel
[1]. There are dozens of definitions of POCT, but a plausible definition can be, “patient
specimens assayed at or near the patient with the assumption that test results will be
available instantly or in a very short timeframe to assist caregivers with immediate
diagnosis and clinical intervention [2]”.
POCT can range from the equipment free rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) which are
first-generation POCT, e.g., lateral flow assays (LFAs), the second generation, e.g.,
nucleic acid-based tests which require cartridges, and the third generation using handheld devices such as smartphones. POCT can use different technologies from simplest
to complicated, users from laypersons to highly trained, and settings from homes to
hospitals. Such a diversity of target product profiles (TPPs) within POCT shows
that POCT can be done in at least five distinct settings: homes (TPP1), communities
G. Murtaza · A. S. Rizvi · F. Qu (B)
School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Beijing
10008, China
e-mail: qufengqu@bit.edu.cn
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
Y. Dong (ed.), Aptamers for Medical Applications,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4838-7_3
53
Aptamer-Based Point of Care Testing
Schemes
Ghulam Murtaza, Aysha Sarfraz Rizvi, and Feng Qu
Abstract This chapter introduces the well-established and novel diagnostic platforms based on aptamers as molecular recognition elements, which are currently
being considered for use in point-of-care testing (POCT). Relevant technologies
include lateral flow test strips, interferometry, DNA origami nanoboxes, capacitive
aptasensors, microfluidics, nanoparticle-based aptasensors, and multiplex technologies suitable for rapid and facile POCT schemes. Advantages of using aptamers over
antibodies in such POCT platforms are elucidated in each case.
Keywords Aptamers · Point-of-care testing · Aptasensors · Lateral flow test
strips · DNA origami nanoboxes · Nanoparticle-based aptasensors
3.1 Introduction
Point-of-care testing (POCT) has created a paradigm shift in the field of in vitro
diagnostics (IVD) by increasing the speed, accuracy, reduction in turn-around time,
independence from sophisticated instruments, and less reliance on skilled personnel
[1]. There are dozens of definitions of POCT, but a plausible definition can be, “patient
specimens assayed at or near the patient with the assumption that test results will be
available instantly or in a very short timeframe to assist caregivers with immediate
diagnosis and clinical intervention [2]”.
POCT can range from the equipment free rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) which are
first-generation POCT, e.g., lateral flow assays (LFAs), the second generation, e.g.,
nucleic acid-based tests which require cartridges, and the third generation using handheld devices such as smartphones. POCT can use different technologies from simplest
to complicated, users from laypersons to highly trained, and settings from homes to
hospitals. Such a diversity of target product profiles (TPPs) within POCT shows
that POCT can be done in at least five distinct settings: homes (TPP1), communities
G. Murtaza · A. S. Rizvi · F. Qu (B)
School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Beijing
10008, China
e-mail: qufengqu@bit.edu.cn
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
Y. Dong (ed.), Aptamers for Medical Applications,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4838-7_3
53