Antibodies and Aptamers Used as Molecular Recognition Components in Sensing Platforms

Dear Colleagues,

The interfacial molecular recognition phenomenon is a key aspect taken into account in the developed sensor systems. The type of the probe molecule and its spatial arrangement undeniably determine the properties of the bio interface. There has been ongoing competition between antibodies and aptamers used as molecular recognition components in sensing platforms. Indeed, the number of available aptamer molecules is still insufficient to directly compare them with existing antibodies. However, due to the increasing awareness of the significant advantages of aptamers over conventional antibodies, an increasing demand for aptamer-based diagnostics is expected within the next few years. Aptamers are characterized by a high efficiency toward specific analytes, less immunogenicity as compared with antibodies, ease of synthesis and minimum cost. They can bind large and small molecules as well. On the other hand, comparative experimental studies, based on aptamers and antibodies used as molecular probes under equivalent conditions, are limited, and the results are ambiguous regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each bioreceptor type.

Considering the importance of this topic, the main goal of this Special Issue is to collect original research manuscripts or reviews, including electrochemical, optical and other existing methodologies. The purpose of this SI is to underline the efficiency of antibodies vs. aptamers used as molecular recognition components in sensing platforms.  

Dr. Iwona Grabowska
Guest Editor

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• aptasensors
• immunosensors
• electrochemical systems
• optical systems
• molecular recognition