For the identification of nucleic acids, which are important biomarkers of pathogen-mediated diseases and viruses, the gold standard for NA-based diagnostic applications is polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, the requirements of PCR limit its application as a rapid point-of-care diagnostic technique. To address the challenges associated with regular PCR, many isothermal amplification methods have been developed to accurately detect NAs. Isothermal amplification methods enable NA amplification without changes in temperature with simple devices, as well as faster amplification times compared with regular PCR. Of the isothermal amplifications, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is the most studied because it amplifies NAs rapidly and specifically. This review describes the principles of LAMP, the methods used to monitor the process of LAMP, and examples of biosensors that detect the amplicons of LAMP. In addition, current trends in the application of LAMP to smartphones and self-diagnosis systems for point-of-care tests are also discussed.

An aptamer is a single-stranded DNA or RNA that binds to a specific target with high binding affinity. Aptamers are developed through the process of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), which is repeated to increase the binding power and specificity. However, the SELEX process is time-consuming, and the characterization of aptamer candidates selected through it requires additional effort. Here, we describe in silico methods in order to suggest the most efficient way to develop aptamers and minimize the laborious effort required to screen and optimise aptamers. We investigated several methods for the estimation of aptamer-target molecule binding through conformational structure prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation. In addition, examples of machine learning and deep learning technologies used to predict the binding of targets and ligands in the development of new drugs are introduced. This review will be helpful in the development and application of in silico aptamer screening and characterization.

In recent years, the field of drug delivery has witnessed remarkable progress, driven by the quest for more effective and precise therapeutic interventions. Among the myriad strategies employed, the integration of aptamers as targeting moieties and stimuli-responsive systems has emerged as a promising avenue, particularly in the context of anticancer therapy. This review explores cutting-edge advancements in targeted drug-delivery systems, focusing on the integration of aptamers and stimuli-responsive platforms for enhanced spatial anticancer therapy. In the aptamer-based drug-delivery systems, we delve into the versatile applications of aptamers, examining their conjugation with gold, silica, and carbon materials. The synergistic interplay between aptamers and these materials is discussed, emphasizing their potential in achieving precise and targeted drug delivery. Additionally, we explore stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems with an emphasis on spatial anticancer therapy. Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles are elucidated, and their capacity to exploit the dynamic conditions within cancerous tissues for controlled drug release is detailed. External stimuli-responsive strategies, including ultrasound-mediated, photo-responsive, and magnetic-guided drug-delivery systems, are examined for their role in achieving synergistic anticancer effects. This review integrates diverse approaches in the quest for precision medicine, showcasing the potential of aptamers and stimuli-responsive systems to revolutionize drug-delivery strategies for enhanced anticancer therapy.

Tissue engineering is a sophisticated field that involves the integration of various disciplines, such as clinical medicine, material science, and life science, to repair or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. To achieve the successful regeneration of damaged or diseased tissues, it is necessary to fabricate biomimetic scaffolds that provide structural support to the surrounding cells and tissues. Fibrous scaffolds loaded with therapeutic agents have shown considerable potential in tissue engineering. In this comprehensive review, we examine various methods for fabricating bioactive molecule-loaded fibrous scaffolds, including preparation methods for fibrous scaffolds and drug-loading techniques. Additionally, we delved into the recent biomedical applications of these scaffolds, such as tissue regeneration, inhibition of tumor recurrence, and immunomodulation. The aim of this review is to discuss the latest research trends in fibrous scaffold manufacturing methods, materials, drug-loading methods with parameter information, and therapeutic applications with the goal of contributing to the development of new technologies or improvements to existing ones.

A portable RT-LAMP assay was developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), addressing the limitations of traditional PCR-based diagnostics in field settings, especially in aquaculture. The existing method based on conventional PCR is hindered by the immobility of the equipment, making early detection and response in remote environments challenging. To overcome this, the developed RT-LAMP system integrates modular components, including fluid connections and a heating block that ensures precise temperature control with deviations within ± 0.1℃, enabling reliable amplification. Optimized primers targeting the VHSV N gene, specifically the N37 set, demonstrated high sensitivity, detecting viral loads as low as 56 aM (34 copies/µl). The assay was further validated for specificity using a broad panel of controls, including RSIV, influenza A/B, ASFV, and Shigella, with no cross-reactivity observed. Field trials using POCT modules achieved 94.8% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity. This system enables rapid and accurate diagnostics in resource-limited environments, facilitating the early detection of VHSV in aquaculture, and has potential for automation, integrating sample processing and detection for broader diagnostic applications.