Recent advances in aptamer-based biosensors for potassium detection

Abstract

Maintaining a stable level of potassium is crucial for proper bodily function because even a slight imbalance can result in serious disorders like hyperkalemia and hypokalemia. Therefore, detecting and monitoring potassium ion (K⁺) levels are of utmost importance. Various biosensors have been developed for rapid K⁺ detection, with aptamer-based biosensors garnering significant attention due to their high sensitivity and specificity. This review focuses on aptamer-based biosensors for K⁺ detection, providing an overview of their signal generation strategies, including electrochemical, field-effect transistor, nanopore, colorimetric, and fluorescent systems. The analytical performance of these biosensors is evaluated comprehensively. In addition, factors that affect their efficiency, such as their physicochemical properties, regeneration for reusability, and linkers/spacers, are listed. Lastly, this review examines the major challenges faced by aptamer-based biosensors in K⁺ detection and discusses potential future developments.