Aptasensors for the Detection of Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs) in Aquatic Environment

Aptamers are single stranded DNA or RNA molecules, selected in vitro (selection evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, SELEX) from vast populations of random sequences. They have ability to fold into well-defined, three-dimensional structures and bind to specific molecular targets (e.g. proteins, small molecules) with high affinity. Aptamers fulfill the current research requirements for affinity molecules and have therefore surfaced as promising alternatives. The advantages of using apatmers as biorecognition elements is due to their high affinity and specificity for target, low molecular weight, easily functionalized, resistant to denaturation and degradation, reproducible and more stable than antibodies/enzymes and synthetic production of aptamers makes them animal-friendly. Endocrine Disruptors are group of hazardous compounds that causes adverse effects on reproduction, growth and development and hence altered the behavior of humans and wildlife species This project aims the development and characterization of environmental friendly electrochemical aptasensors for screening of the EDCs in aquatic environment.