Design and application of microfluidics in aptamer SELEX and Aptasensors

Aptamers are excellent recognition molecules obtained from systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) that have been extensively researched for constructing aptasensors. However, in the process from SELEX screening to the construction of aptasensors, there are many disadvantages, such as tedious and repetitive operations, interference from external factors, and low efficiency, which seriously limits their application scope and development. Introducing the microfluidic technology can realize the automation and intelligence of SELEX and aptasensing, improve the efficiency of SELEX, and enhance the detection performance and convenience of aptasensing. Hence, in this review, first the characteristics of various chips based on different driving forces are described. And then summarizing the design of microfluidic devices based on different SELEX methods and showing the strategies of microfluidic aptasensors based on different detection modes. Finally, discussing the difficulties and challenges encountered when microfluidic is integrated with the aptamer SELEX and the aptasensors.