Detecting homocysteine in cardiovascular disease using aptasensors: A review

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a non-protein sulfuric amino acid that is produced as a by-product of methionine transmethylation. Increased levels of Hcy in human serum result in hyperhomocysteinemia, which is a sensitive indicator and risk factor for coagulation problems and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Therefore, serum Hcy can be used as a clinically effective surrogate biomarker to determine redox dysfunction in humans. However, it is necessary to use a reliable and recent method to determine the amount of Hcy in biological fluids and its significance in health and disease. Several studies have used an aptamer-based electrochemical sensor (aptasensor) developed to detect Hcy. The focus of these studies was on speeding up detection and creating novel detection techniques. This technology has the potential to alter the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular problems. The goal of this review is to provide a general overview of the various Hcy aptasensors in relation to their linear range, detection abilities, and potential medical uses.