ABSTRACT
Recent times have experienced more than ever the impact of viral infections in humans. Viral infections are known to cause diseases not only in humans but also in plants and animals. Here, we have compiled the literature review of aptamers selected and used for detection and inhibition of viral infections in all three categories: humans, animals, and plants. This review gives an in-depth introduction to aptamers, different types of aptamer selection (SELEX) methodologies, the benefits of using aptamers over commonly used antibody-based strategies, and the structural and functional mechanism of aptasensors for viral detection and therapy. The review is organized based on the different characterization and read-out tools used to detect virus-aptasensor interactions with a detailed index of existing virus-targeting aptamers. Along with addressing recent developments, we also discuss a way forward with aptamers for DNA nanotechnology-based detection and treatment of viral diseases. Overall, this review will serve as a comprehensive resource for aptamer-based strategies in viral diagnostics and treatment.
Subject(s)
Aptamers, Nucleotide , Biosensing Techniques , Virus Diseases , Viruses , Animals , Biosensing Techniques/methods , NanotechnologyABSTRACT
Detection of viruses is critical for controlling disease spread. Recent emerging viral threats, including Zika virus, Ebola virus, and SARS-CoV-2 responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlight the cost and difficulty in responding rapidly. To address these challenges, we develop a platform for low-cost and rapid detection of viral RNA with DNA nanoswitches that mechanically reconfigure in response to specific viruses. Using Zika virus as a model system, we show nonenzymatic detection of viral RNA with selective and multiplexed detection between related viruses and viral strains. For clinical-level sensitivity in biological fluids, we paired the assay with sample preparation using either RNA extraction or isothermal preamplification. Our assay requires minimal laboratory infrastructure and is adaptable to other viruses, as demonstrated by quickly developing DNA nanoswitches to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva. Further development and field implementation will improve our ability to detect emergent viral threats and ultimately limit their impact.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus/genetics , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , DNA, Single-Stranded/genetics , Electrophoresis, Agar Gel/methods , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , RNA, Viral/genetics , Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods , Base Sequence , COVID-19 , Cell Line, Tumor , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Dengue/diagnosis , Dengue/virology , Dengue Virus/genetics , Electrophoresis, Agar Gel/economics , Humans , Limit of Detection , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/virology , SARS-CoV-2 , Saliva/virology , Sequence Analysis, RNA/economics , Zika Virus/genetics , Zika Virus Infection/diagnosis , Zika Virus Infection/virologyABSTRACT
The COVID-19 outbreak has shut down universities, and teaching faculty have moved to online classrooms to address students. This change has been supported by numerous online teaching tools and development of virtual classrooms. Undergraduate research programs in the sciences and biochemistry/molecular biology teaching labs, however, are affected by this change due to inaccessibility to laboratories. This communication outlines three concepts to engage undergraduate students who are involved in research: (a) remote data analysis, (b) literature review and science writing, and (c) science journal clubs.