One-pot assay using a target-driven split aptamer recognition and assembly strategy for convenient and rapid detection of gliotoxin.

An aptamer targeting gliotoxin (GTX) was optimized to increase the binding affinity by approximately 20 times and achieve higher structural stability and targeting specificity. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore the molecular mechanism and key action sites underlying the recognition of GTX by the optimized aptamer. Subsequently, the optimized aptamer was split into two fragments and a convenient and rapid one-pot assay for GTX detection was successfully established using a target-driven split aptamer recognition and assembly strategy. The method exhibited a good linear range of 0.128 nM to 2 μM, a low detection limit of 0.07 nM, and excellent selectivity for GTX. Furthermore, the method had good accuracy and stability in real sample analysis. Therefore, the developed one-pot method provides a reliable, convenient, and cost-effective approach for the widespread application of GTX detection.