title: Detection and characterization of cancer cells and pathogenic bacteria using aptamer-based nano-conjugates.
abstract: Detection and characterization of cells using aptamers and aptamer-conjugated nanoprobes has evolved a great deal over the past few decades. This evolution has been driven by the easy selection of aptamers via in vitro cell-SELEX, permitting sensitive discrimination between target and normal cells, which includes pathogenic prokaryotic and cancerous eukaryotic cells. Additionally, when the aptamer-based strategies are used in conjunction with nanomaterials, there is the potential for cell targeting and therapeutic effects with improved specificity and sensitivity. Here we review recent advances in aptamer-based nano-conjugates and their applications for detecting cancer cells and pathogenic bacteria. The multidisciplinary research utilized in this field will play an increasingly significant role in clinical medicine and drug discovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea. vinayreddyg@live.com.
authors.forename: Vinayakumar
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gedi
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea. ypilkim@hanyang.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Young-Pil
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D052156:SELEX Aptamer Technique