Development of a light-up aptamer-based sensor for Monkeypox Virus Detection

Description: Monkeypox (Mpox) is a serious infectious disease that is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms resemble other illnesses. We developed a simple fluorescent aptamer-based sensor that detects Mpox DNA rapidly, accurately, and at low cost, making early diagnosis more accessible.

Monkeypox (Mpox) is an emerging infectious disease that can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms, such as fever and skin rashes, resemble those of chickenpox and other skin infections. Current diagnostic methods either lack accuracy or require expensive laboratory equipment and highly trained personnel, limiting access to rapid testing. Our project introduces a fluorescent aptamer-based biosensor for the rapid and accurate detection of Mpox DNA. Aptamers are short DNA molecules that can specifically recognize a target, similar to how antibodies work. When our sensor binds to Mpox DNA, it produces a strong fluorescent signal that can be easily measured. Using computational design with NUPACK, we created two complementary aptamer strands that specifically recognize Mpox DNA. After optimizing the experimental conditions, our sensor showed excellent selectivity, producing fluorescence signals 8–10 times stronger for Mpox DNA than for similar DNA sequences. By combining three sensing probes, the system could detect Mpox DNA at concentrations as low as 0.5 nM. This low-cost, rapid, and highly selective technology has strong potential for future clinical diagnosis and may also serve as a platform for detecting other infectious diseases.

Organisation: Vinschool Smart City

Innovator(s): Do Phuong Chi, Nguyen Linh Chi, Ha Nhu Ngoc

Category: Medicine, Biotechnology and Medical Devices

Country: Vietnam