Aptasensor for oncoprotein platelet-derived growth factor detection on functionalized diamond surface by signal-off optical method

The highly sensitive detection of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been realized using aptamers immobilized on a diamond surface. The detection mechanism of PDGF is based on the release of an intercalating dye from the aptamer's stem structure during deformation when the aptamer captures PDGF. The detection by fluorescence reduction (signal-off method) does not require a target label and is unaffected by nonspecific binding. The high reproducibility of detection was confirmed. Since aptamers bind to their target PDGF with high affinity, the sensor exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity. The quantitation limit was determined to be 1 pM.