A Light-Driven Regenerative Electrochemical Aptasensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of the Mpox Virus

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Mpox stemming from the Mpox virus (previously known as monkeypox) is a kind of highly contagious zoonotic disease that emerged and broke out in several regions of the world in 2022. Swift identification and isolation of high-risk groups are crucial for early treatment and reduction of Mpox spread. In this study, we propose an electrochemical aptasensor based on an Mpox virus (MPXV) A29 protein aptamer that incorporates three photochromic azobenzenes to add the regenerative properties of the sensor. Based on specifically binding to the A29 protein to form a hairpin structure, the aptamers labeled with the ferrocene and azobenzene groups can produce an electrochemical signal change on the surface of the gold electrode. In this principle, the concentration of the A29 protein can be measured by the electrochemical signal change. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical aptasensor exhibited a linear response to the logarithm of the A29 protein in the range of 100 fM to 10 nM (Δ I p = 0.089 log C A29 protein /fM – 0.057, R 2 = 0.99) and the detection limits of 9.4 fM (S/N = 3). Human blood and throat swabs were also tested and showed excellent stability and reproducibility with recoveries ranging from 94.5% to 102.3% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.3% to 3.0% (throat swabs) and 3.1% to 13.3% (human blood). The results of the throat swabs and blood samples indicate that the aptasensor has potential application in the practical detection of Mpox patients, providing a new means of detection for Mpox.