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Aptamer-based assay developed for coronavirus detection
Why is it in News?
- Faridabad-based Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) has developed an Aptamer-linked immobilized sorbent assay (ALISA) based detection assay for novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
Aptamer-based Assay:
- ALISA based assay is developed by using DNA aptamers.
- The nucleotide bases in the aptamer bind to the spike protein (antigen) and help in the detection of positive samples.
- DNA Aptamers:
(1) DNA aptamers are small, single-strand structured DNA molecules.
(2) Aptamers bind to a specific target including proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, small molecules, toxins, and even live cells.
(3) Aptamers assume a variety of shapes due to their tendency to form helices and single-stranded loops.
(4) They are extremely versatile and bind targets with high selectivity and specificity.
(5) Rather than primary sequence, aptamer binding is determined by its tertiary structure.