Electrochemical aptasensors for detection of small molecules, macromolecules, and cells

Aptamers are a kind of special nucleic acids that have the ability to bind various targets (e.g. small molecules, macromolecules, and cells) with high affinity and specificity. As a type of efficient recognition component in analytical designs and applications, aptamers have gained intense achievements in the designs of biosensors. Especially, the past few years have witnessed the fast development of electrochemical aptasensors. In this mini-review, we summarize recent progresses in electrochemical biosensors based on aptamers. Different targets and the corresponding detection principles are introduced. The methods to enhance detectable signals are mentioned including the employment of nanomaterials. Also, some possible limitations and future perspectives are discussed.