Application of Functional Nucleic Acid-gold Nanoparticle Complexes in Biosensor Detection

Abstract:

Aptamers and DNAzymes, both belonging to the functional nucleic acids (FNAs) family, can form complexes with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to synergistically achieve molecular recognition with signal amplification, significantly enhancing their performance in sensor applications. These complexes have been extensively applied in food safety testing, environmental monitoring, and biomedical diagnostics, demonstrating exceptional application value. The author systematically summarizes the discovery and development of aptamers, DNAzymes, and AuNPs, elaborates on the formation mechanisms and assembly strategies of functional nucleic acid-AuNP complexes, and highlights recent advances in biosensors based on colorimetry, fluorescence, and electrochemical signals for the detection of heavy metal ions and pathogens.