Biorecognition Elements: Applications, Benefits, Challenges and Limitations

Dear Colleagues,

A common feature of antibodies, aptamers, enzymes and cell receptor-inspired biomolecules—besides their biological origin—is the ability to selectively or even specifically recognize a certain molecule or group of molecules. This capability is exploited not only in in vivo applications but also in numerous in vitro (bio)analytical applications. For instance, immuno-based methods that take advantage of the naturally evolved selectivity of antibodies are routinely employed standard techniques in biochemistry and medical diagnostics, as well as in clinical analysis. Despite their indisputable benefits, antibodies also possess numerous disadvantages, including their costly and often irreproducible or even impossible preparation, limited chemical stability and, in some cases, unidentified mechanism of interaction. To overcome some of these obstacles, a new group of biorecognition elements—aptamers—has been recently introduced, allowing for more controlled synthesis and on-demand target-specific preparation. However, despite all the progress, the search for an optimal element of biological recognition whose advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages is not over.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight new analytical approaches based on selective biomolecules, to discuss the pros and cons of well-established and novel strategies and to emphasize challenges and limitations. Investigators are invited to contribute short communications, full research articles and timely reviews related but not limited to:

• development, characterization, and application of novel biosensing elements
• evaluation of recognition element selectivity
• utilization of biomolecules in (bio)analytical chemistry
• development of novel assays utilizing natural or nature-inspired biomolecules
• advances in selective targeting of biological structures, cells or organs

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Markéta Vaculovičová
Prof. Norbert Jakubowski
Guest Editors

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