Aptamer Biosensors Engineering based on Reflectometric Interference Spectroscopy in Nanoporous Anodic Alumina

Identifier:  TDX:3070

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX3070

Authors:  Pol Aira, Laura

Abstract:
The latest advances in biomedical research have generated the need of new analytical methods. Biosensors emerged as an extremely useful tool for developing new analysis methods. After the first biosensors designed for glucose detection, new types of sensors and materials to manufacture such biosensors began to be investigated. The main characteristics to take into account in the fabrication of a biosensor are: the receptor that will specifically bind to the molecule under study, the material on which the sensor will be built and the detection method that will be used. Regarding to receptors, aptamers in recent years have proven to be very useful for detecting any type of molecule in a very specific manner. On the other hand, studies with nanoporous alumina have highlighted that it is a material that provides great stability and biocompatibility, as well as great surface-volume capacity. Regarding the detection method, the Reflectometric Interference Spectroscopy (RIfS) method has been shown to detect the presence of certain molecules in a cheap and simple way in NAA. Therefore, in this thesis we present the optimization and manufacture in NAA of an aptamer-based biosensor using the RIfS method as a detection method.