Citation: Yi Cao, Qi Pang, Dandan Zhang, Zhengkun Xie, Jiaheng Zhang. Development of a dual-mode aptasensor platform for fluorescent and colorimetric detection of multiple targets[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(8): 112001. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.112001 shu

Development of a dual-mode aptasensor platform for fluorescent and colorimetric detection of multiple targets

Yi Cao ^a ,
Qi Pang ^b ,
Dandan Zhang ^a ,
Zhengkun Xie ^{a, c, *,} ,
Jiaheng Zhang ^{a, b, *,}

a.
College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
b.
School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
c.
Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou 450001, China

xie@zzu.edu.cn

zhangjiaheng@zzu.edu.cn

Received Date: 7 June 2025
Revised Date: 10 October 2025
Accepted Date: 21 October 2025
Available Online: 21 October 2025

Figures(7)

Aptamers as synthetic oligonucleotide, exhibit exceptional target specificity and are increasingly employed in the development of high-performance aptamer-based sensors (aptasensors). Dye-displacement-based aptasensors have emerged as a label-free strategy, wherein between the aptamer and its cognate target displaces a pre-associated dye, eliciting an optical response. Despite this, conventional aptasensors rely on a single output signal, which constrains both sensitivity and detection robustness. Herein, we present a dual-mode aptasensor (DMApt) platform with fluorescence and colorimetric signal outputs derived from a systematic screening of a cyanine dye library, with CyFluor-8 identified as an optimal reporter. Notably, the DMApt features an ultrafast response time (5 s), making it highly suited for rapid, on-site detection applications. This approach leverages the superior binding affinity of native aptamers, avoiding the need for modification and ensuring high sensitivity. Mechanistically, signal generation arises from the concerted contributions of disaggregation-induced emission (DIE) and the attenuation of twisted intramolecular charge-transfer (TICT) through its application to a range of small-molecule and ionic targets, as well as its compatibility with aptamers exhibiting diverse secondary structures. This work establishes a modular, label-free framework for high-sensitivity small-molecule sensing, offering rapid response and excellent practicality for on-site biochemical, environmental, and diagnostic monitoring.
- Aptasensors,
- Dual-mode,
- Fluorescent,
- Colorimetric,
- Cyanine dyes
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