Quantum-Dot-Based Aptamer Beacons for ${\rm K}^{+}$ Detection

Herein, aptamer-based quantum-dot detectors of
${\rm K}^{+}$
made of two-different
${\rm K}^{+}$
aptamers are compared. These deoxyribonucleic acid-based aptamers are TBA (
$5^{\prime}$
GGT TGG TGT GGT TGG
$3^{\prime}$
) and AG3 (
$5^{\prime}$
GGG TTA GGG TTA GGG TTA GGG
$3^{\prime}$
). The nanoscale aptamer-quantum-dot-based detectors described in this paper are synthesized and tested in DI water aliquots that contain KCl. The results including data suggest that beacons made of AG3 and TBA serve better as an ion indicator in different potassium level regions. As a result, aptamer beacon made of AG3 has better potential in the design of take-home diagnostic devices for hyperkalemia and hypokalemia.