Exploring affinity receptors in bioanalysis: from natural binders to biomimetics

Year: 2025

Authors: Vivaldi F., Torrini F., Spiaggia F., Di Francesco F., Minunni M.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Pisa, Dept Chem & Ind Chem, I-56124 Pisa, Italy; Natl Res Council INO CNR, Natl Inst Opt, Via Nello Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Univ Pisa, Dept Pharm, I-56126 Pisa, Italy.

Abstract: Affinity receptors have played a pivotal role in advancing bioanalysis, primarily for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, thanks to their high selectivity toward target molecules, which enables their use in complex biofluids. While antibodies remain the gold standard, ongoing research has explored alternative receptors with improved stability, reduced size, and enhanced performance in bioanalytical and clinical applications. This works traces the evolution of affinity receptors from classical antibodies to emerging biomimetic and synthetic alternatives, including affibodies, nanobodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). We highlight their molecular features, advantages, and limitations, emphasizing their use as part of the molecular toolbox for bioanalytical assay development and biosensing. Overall, the continuous diversification of affinity binders reflects the dynamic nature of this field, where the optimal receptor remains context dependent. For this reason, the research into new binders to complement or eventually replace antibodies that, for the moment, remain the choice for high-throughput applications, is still ongoing.

Journal/Review: SENSORS AND ACTUATORS REPORTS

Volume: 10      Pages from: 100359-1  to: 100359-13

More Information: MM and FS thanks Universita Italo-Francese, Grant Leonardo da Vinci, chapter 3, for the Project: Detection of a clinical biomarker using a biosensor based on nano-aggregated copper and aptamers; The University of Pisa is acknowledged for the support under the project Microwave Assisted Approaches for Heritage Science, Environment, and Energy (PRA_2022_58) .
KeyWords: Affinity receptors; Bioanalysis; Aptamers; Antibodies; Molecularly imprinted polymers; Biosensors
DOI: 10.1016/j.snr.2025.100359