Amplified Aptamer‐Based Assay through Catalytic Recycling of the Analyte

Turn up the volume: In a simple and highly sensitive aptamer-based assay that relies on the ability of nanomaterials to protect DNA from nuclease cleavage, the aptamer is released from the nanomaterial when challenged with a target. The nuclease then cleaves the free aptamer and releases the target, which can initiate a new cycle. Recycling of the target in this way leads to significant signal amplification (see diagram).