# Activity-Based Aptamers as Bioimaging Tools for Probing Organics, Inorganics, and Enzymes

> **NIH NIH R21** · RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. · 2020 · $306,754

## Abstract

Activity-Based Aptamers as Bioimaging Tools for Probing Organics,
Inorganics, and Enzymes.
PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
 Aptamers are functional oligonucleotides that bind a specific target (ligand), which is typically a small
organic molecule. Some in vitro-selected RNA aptamers can bind and substantially increase the
fluorescence quantum yield of fluorogenic ligands that are otherwise poorly fluorescent in their unbound
state. Consequently, there is considerable interest in developing methods in which aptamers can be used
for fluorescence imaging of molecules in living cells. Expansion of these methods as practical and adaptable
platforms could lead to advanced detection strategies for biomarkers associated with human diseases.
However, the limitations lie in that each RNA aptamer is only capable of recognizing a defined,
characteristic structure of organic molecules. Here we describe (Aim 1) an application of designer small
molecules to enable a single RNA aptamer to detect multiple as well as structurally diverse disease-
associated biomarkers, including inorganic molecules and enzymes; we term this activity-based aptamer
(ABA) system. In addition, we will (Aim 2) expand the translational potential of RNA aptamers by proposing
a chip design that introduces reusability into ABA systems. We will microarray solid surfaces with
nanoneedles and nanostraws for capture-assisted detection of specimens. These proof-of-principle studies
will lay the foundation for developing novel molecular tools to further investigate cellular dysfunction and
lead to point-of-care application.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9956124
- **Project number:** 1R21EB029548-01
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J.
- **Principal Investigator:** Enver C Izgu
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $306,754
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9956124

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9956124, Activity-Based Aptamers as Bioimaging Tools for Probing Organics, Inorganics, and Enzymes (1R21EB029548-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9956124. Licensed CC0.

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