The expanding horizon of aptamer-modified metal-organic framework for the biosensing of chronic kidney disease biomarkers

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible disorder that poses a major global health burden, largely due to its delayed diagnosis. Conventional diagnostic approaches based on serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate lack adequate sensitivity for early-stage detection of CKD. Metal–organic framework (MOF)-incorporated aptasensors have emerged as biosensing platforms for identifying biomarkers linked to CKD in bodily fluids. The high specific surface area, tunable chemistry, adjustable pore architecture, and signal amplification capabilities of MOFs facilitate their biosensing capabilities. The integration of aptamers with MOFs significantly enhances the molecular selectivity for renal biomarkers, even in complex biological matrices. This review summarizes structural characteristics of MOFs, aptamer immobilization over their surfaces, and signal amplification methods based on nucleic acid-driven amplification and MOF-driven nanozyme activity. The performance of MOFs-incorporated aptasensors in electrochemical and optical sensing is discussed, with a focus on key analytical parameters including reproducibility, linear detection range, and limit of detection. Despite tremendous advancements, problems like biofouling in intricate biological matrices, limited electrical conductivity, MOF instability in physiochemical environments, and obstacles to clinical translations are still unsolved. Future prospects for developing reliable and clinically feasible aptasensing platforms in renal healthcare are also outlined in this review. Promising avenues for early and precise diagnosis of CKD include wearable diagnostics, multiplexed biosensing systems, and the integration of artificial intelligence.