A fluorescent sandwich assay for thrombin using aptamer modified magnetic beads and quantum dots

We describe an aptamer-based sandwich assay for thrombin by using a pair of thrombin-binding aptamers, namely one 15-mer aptamer (denoted as Apt15) and one 29-mer aptamer (denoted as Apt29). Either Apt29 or Apt15 can be used as capture aptamers on magnetic beads or reporter aptamers on the quantum dots to form the sandwich complex. Detection of thrombin is achieved by the fluorescent measurement of quantum dots in the sandwich complex. The choice of capture aptamers and reporter aptamers, and the effect of the addition order of the aptamers modified magnetic beads and the aptamers modified quantum dots were investigated. Detection of 0.05 nM thrombin was accomplished. The proteins hemoglobin, lysozyme, and transferrin did not interfere in this assay.