Research progress and prospects for the use of aptamers in aquaculture biosecurity

Abstract The rapidly expanding scale of aquaculture has resulted in frequent pathogen outbreaks. Herein we review and discuss the application of aptamers in aquaculture biosecurity, including their use in the development of rapid diagnostic assays and effective therapeutic agents against aquaculture pathogens. First, we describe examples of aptamers against aquatic pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and algal toxins. Aptamers are “artificial antibodies” that can recognize targets with high specificity and affinity. Second, we explore the current state of aptamer-based detection technology. Based on their high specificity, aptamers can be used to develop sensitive biosensors to detect aquatic pathogens through signal amplification. Third, we give examples of some of the existing therapies that are being used against aquatic pathogens. Some aptamers have antiviral abilities without affecting cell viability, which allows their use in the development of novel antiviral therapies. Furthermore, due to their small size and specific recognition of targets, aptamers are powerful molecular tools for cell biomarker identification and pathogenesis research. Fourth, we describe how aptamers are being used in pathogenesis research, and finally we discuss future perspectives of aptamer use in the management of aquatic animal health.