A Portable Readout System for Biomarker Detection with Aptamer-Modified CMOS ISFET Array.

Biosensors based on ion-sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) combined with aptamers offer a promising and convenient solution for point-of-care testing applications due to the ability for fast and label-free detection of a wide range of biomarkers. Mobile and easy-to-use readout devices for the ISFET aptasensors would contribute to further development of the field. In this paper, the development of a portable PC-controlled device for detecting aptamer-target interactions using ISFETs is described. The device assembly allows selective modification of individual ISFETs with different oligonucleotides. Ta2O5-gated ISFET structures were optimized to minimize trapped charge and capacitive attenuation. Integrated CMOS readout circuits with linear transfer function were used to minimize the distortion of the original ISFET signal. An external analog signal digitizer with constant voltage and superimposed high-frequency sine wave reference voltage capabilities was designed to increase sensitivity when reading ISFET signals. The device performance was demonstrated with the aptamer-driven detection of troponin I in both reference voltage setting modes. The sine wave reference voltage measurement method reduced the level of drift over time and enabled a lowering of the minimum detectable analyte concentration. In this mode (constant voltage 2.4 V and 10 kHz 0.1Vp-p), the device allowed the detection of troponin I with a limit of detection of 3.27 ng/mL. Discrimination of acute myocardial infarction was demonstrated with the developed device. The ISFET device provides a platform for the multiplexed detection of different biomarkers in point-of-care testing.

Are owls technically capable of making a full head turn?

The three-dimensional configuration of the neck that produces extreme head turn in owls was studied using the Joint Coordinate System. The limits of planar axial rotation (AR), lateral, and sagittal bending in each vertebral joint were measured. They are not extraordinary among birds, except probably for the extended ability for AR. The vertebral joint angles involved in the 360° head turn do not generally exceed the limits of planar mobility. Rotation in one plane does not expand the range of motion in the other, with one probable exception being extended dorsal bending in the middle of the neck. Therefore, the extreme 360° head turn can be presented as a simple combination of the three planar motions in the neck joints. Surprisingly, certain joints are always laterally bent or axially rotated to the opposite side than the head was turned. This allows keeping the anterior part of the neck parallel to the thoracic spine, which probably helps preserve the ability for peering head motions throughout the full head turn. The potential ability of one-joint muscles of the owl neck, the mm. intertransversarii, to ensure the 360° head turn was addressed. It was shown that the 360° head turn does not require these muscles to shorten beyond the known contraction limit of striated vertebrate muscles. Shortening by 50% or less is enough for the mm. intertransversarii in the middle neck region for the 360° head turn. This study has broad implications for further research on vertebral mobility and function in a variety of tetrapods, providing a new method for CT scan-based measurement of intervertebral angles.

Reconstructing the subcephalic musculature in Pucapampella and Ichthyostega.

We present new reconstructions of subcephalic musculature for the stem chondrichthyan Pucapampella, the tetrapodomorph fish Eusthenopteron, and the Devonian tetrapod Ichthyostega. These reconstructions are based on macroscopic dissections of the head muscles of an archaic shark Heptranchias and an archaic actinopterygian Polypterus, that are combined with functional considerations and a reappraisal of not widely known theoretical concepts from the past. The subcephalic, as well as the supracephalic, musculature is formed by four anterior myomeres. They are continuous with subsequent myomeres of the trunk, but are innervated by ventral nerve roots of the medulla oblongata and thus belong to the head. The fourth subcephalic myomere ends with its posterior myoseptum on the occiput in osteichthyans, but on the first vertebra in chondrichthyans. The original function of subcephalic and supracephalic muscles in basal gnathostomes supposedly was to hold together anterior and posterior parts of the neurocranium during interaction with prey, such as the backward-ripping prey dissection, hypothesized for Pucapampella. In sarcopterygian osteichthyans, subcephalic musculature is involved in active depression of the anterior part of the neurocranium; specialization of this mechanism resulted in a complete separation of m. subcephalicus from trunk myomeres in Latimeria. Fusion of anterior and posterior parts of the neurocranium has resulted in reduction of the subcephalic musculature in the majority of cartilaginous and bony fishes. However, hexanchid sharks retain three posterior subcephalic myomeres for backward-ripping prey dissection. Polypterus and Chauliodus have retained the subcephalic musculature, but its function has shifted to a depression of the whole neurocranium.

Microcavity phonoritons - a coherent optical-to-microwave interface.

Optomechanical systems provide a pathway for the bidirectional optical-to-microwave interconversion in (quantum) networks. These systems can be implemented using hybrid platforms, which efficiently couple optical photons and microwaves via intermediate agents, e.g. phonons. Semiconductor exciton-polariton microcavities operating in the strong light-matter coupling regime offer enhanced coupling of near-infrared photons to GHz phonons via excitons. Furthermore, a new coherent phonon-exciton-photon quasiparticle termed phonoriton, has been theoretically predicted to emerge in microcavities, but so far has eluded observation. Here, we experimentally demonstrate phonoritons, when two exciton-polariton condensates confined in a µm-sized trap within a phonon-photon microcavity are strongly coupled to a confined phonon which is resonant with the energy separation between the condensates. We realize control of phonoritons by piezoelectrically generated phonons and resonant photons. Our findings are corroborated by quantitative models. Thus, we establish zero-dimensional phonoritons as a coherent microwave-to-optical interface.

Changes in Profiles of Classes and of Individual Polyphenols in Leaves of Spiraea chamaedryfolia and Spiraea media along an Altitudinal Gradient.

Plants in high-altitude habitats are exposed to severe environmental stressors, including extreme temperatures and irradiation, which can have wide-ranging effects on changes of secondary-metabolite profiles in higher plants. Altitude-related variation of levels of polyphenols in organs of medicinal and food plant species has not yet been investigated sufficiently. This study was focused on variation in quantitative profiles of classes and of individual biologically active phenolic compounds in leaf extracts of resource species Spiraea chamaedryfolia and Spiraea media from the family Rosaceae in coenopopulations of the Altai Mountains, along an altitudinal gradient. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed 22 polyphenolic compounds in the extracts of S. media leaves, with the main polyphenolic compounds being flavonols. Sixteen compounds were found in S. chamaedryfolia leaf extracts, and the major ones were flavonols and a flavanone. Opposite responses to changes in the altitude-associated growth conditions were documented for levels of some individual polyphenolic compounds. With an increase in altitude, concentrations of chlorogenic acid and of flavanone in the extracts of S. chamaedryfolia leaves significantly increased, while concentrations of cinnamic acid, astragalin, and kaempferol diminished. A statistically significant positive correlation between the altitude of plant habitats and total levels of polyphenols and phenolcarboxylic acids was detected. In leaf extracts from S. media, an altitude increase was significantly positively correlated with astragalin, avicularin, and cinnamic acid levels and negatively correlated with hyperoside concentration.

Individual Differences in Growth and in Accumulation of Secondary Metabolites in Rhodiola rosea Cultivated in Western Siberia.

In this study, growth parameters of underground parts and concentrations of phenylpropanoids, phenylethanoids, flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and catechins in aqueous-ethanol extracts of 6-year-old cultivated plants of Rhodiola rosea (propagated in vitro) of Altai Mountain origin were analyzed, and differences in chemical composition among plant specimens and between plant parts (rhizome and root) were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatography detected 13 phenolic compounds. Roots contained 1.28 times higher phenylethanoids levels (1273.72 mg/100 g) than rhizomes did. Overall, the concentration of phenylethanoids in underground organs was not high and ranged from 21.36 to 103.00 mg/100 g. High variation among R. rosea individual plants was noted both in growth characteristics and in levels of secondary metabolites under our cultivation conditions. It was found that concentrations of phenylpropanoids, phenylethanoids, and catechins significantly depend on the plant part analyzed (p ≤ 0.05). Specimen No. 4 is characterized by the highest concentration of rosavins (1230.99 mg/plant) and the lowest concentration of cinnamyl alcohol (62.87 mg/plant). Despite the wide range of values, all 10 tested specimens (underground part) met the minimum requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia (2015) for rosavins (0.3%) and of the Russia State Pharmacopoeia (2015) for the average level of rosavins (roots): (1%).

Recent Advances in 64Cu/67Cu-Based Radiopharmaceuticals.

Copper-64 (T1/2 = 12.7 h) is a positron and beta-emitting isotope, with decay characteristics suitable for both positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and radiotherapy of cancer. Copper-67 (T1/2 = 61.8 h) is a beta and gamma emitter, appropriate for radiotherapy ß-energy and with a half-life suitable for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. The chemical identities of 64Cu and 67Cu isotopes allow for convenient use of the same chelating molecules for sequential PET imaging and radiotherapy. A recent breakthrough in 67Cu production opened previously unavailable opportunities for a reliable source of 67Cu with high specific activity and purity. These new opportunities have reignited interest in the use of copper-containing radiopharmaceuticals for the therapy, diagnosis, and theranostics of various diseases. Herein, we summarize recent (2018-2023) advances in the use of copper-based radiopharmaceuticals for PET, SPECT imaging, radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy.

Off-Stoichiometry Thiol-Ene Polymers: Inclusion of Anchor Groups Using Allylsilanes.

The use of polymers in silicon chips is of great importance for the development of microelectronic and biomedical industries. In this study, new silane-containing polymers, called OSTE-AS polymers, were developed based on off-stoichiometry thiol-ene polymers. These polymers can bond to silicon wafers without pretreatment of the surface by an adhesive. Silane groups were included in the polymer using allylsilanes, with the thiol monomer as the target of modification. The polymer composition was optimized to provide the maximum hardness, the maximum tensile strength, and good bonding with the silicon wafers. The Young's modulus, wettability, dielectric constant, optical transparency, TGA and DSC curves, and the chemical resistance of the optimized OSTE-AS polymer were studied. Thin OSTE-AS polymer layers were obtained on silicon wafers via centrifugation. The possibility of creating microfluidic systems based on OSTE-AS polymers and silicon wafers was demonstrated.

Retrospective analysis of dissemination of the 2.MED1 phylogenetic branch of Yersinia pestis in the Caucasus.

The 2.MED1 phylogenetic branch of Yersinia pestis of the medieval biovar became widespread in the Caspian Sea region, the Caucasus, and the Northern Aral Sea region in the 20th century, causing outbreaks and epizootics of plague there. Some of the formed natural foci of 2.MED1 still show epizootic activity and retain their epidemic potential. In this work, we carried out a phylogenetic analysis of 46 Y. pestis strains of the medieval biovar isolated in the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and the Northern Aral Sea regions during epidemic outbreaks and epizootics from 1922-2014. The obtained phylogenetic data, together with epidemiological and epizootological data accumulated over a period of about a hundred years, indicate the presence of two waves of penetration of the 2.MED1 branch into the Caucasus. The first occurred, apparently, in the first half of the 20th century as a result of the penetration of 2.MED1 from the foci of the Northern and North-Western Caspian Sea. The second wave was caused by the spread of 2.MED1 from the Northern Aral to the foci of the North-Western, Northern and Eastern Caspian Sea regions at the beginning of the second half of the 20th century, followed by introduction into the Pre-Caucasus and Transcaucasia. The rapid spread of 2.MED1 could be associated with the transfer of the pathogen by land and sea transport in the process of economic activity of the population.

The Influence of Solid and Liquid Systems In Vitro on the Growth and Biosynthetic Characteristics of Microshoot Culture of Spiraea betulifolia ssp. aemiliana.

The paper focuses on the growth dynamics and biosynthetic characteristics of the microshoot culture of Spiraea betulifolia ssp. aemiliana obtained in vitro in agar-solidified and liquid media. Microshoots cultured in either type of media showed similar growth dynamics. The most active culture growth was observed from day 35 to day 60. A comparative analysis of the contents of flavonoids and phenol carboxylic acids showed a higher level of phenol carboxylic acids (5.3-6.84%) and a stronger 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration: 341 µg/mL) in S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana microshoots grown in the liquid medium compared to the microshoots cultured in the solid medium. The flavonoid content of the cultured microshoot did not depend on the consistency of the medium. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to study the profile and levels of phenolic compounds in microshoots, intact plants, and ex vitro-acclimated S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana plants. The concentration of kaempferol glycosides was found to be higher in microshoots (1.33% in the solid medium, 1.06% in the liquid medium) compared to intact plants and ex vitro-acclimated plants. Thus, the microshoots of S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana cultured in the liquid medium rapidly increase their biomass and are an inexpensive promising source of biologically active antioxidant substances, mainly phenol carboxylic acids and kaempferol glycosides.

LC-HRMS for the Identification of Quercetin and Its Derivatives in Spiraea hypericifolia (Rosaceae) and Anatomical Features of Its Leaves.

Spiraea hypericifolia L. is affiliated with the section Chamaedryon Ser. of the genus Spiraea L. (Rosaceae). Similar to many other Spiraea species, S. hypericifolia most often accumulates flavonols among other flavonoids, in particular quercetin and its derivatives. An ethanol-water extract from the aerial part of S. hypericifolia collected in the vicinity of the Ilyichovo settlement (Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia) was analyzed by liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Primary and secondary metabolites were found in the extract; structural interpretation consistent with quercetin and its derivatives was proposed for 10 of them. Major compounds were various glycosides of quercetin containing glucose (four compounds), galactose (one compound), xylose (two compounds), arabinose (one compound), or rutinose (one compound) as a carbohydrate residue. Isorhamnetin and 3-O-methylquercetin-3'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside were identified among methyl-containing compounds. The latter compound and reynoutrin, rhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-ß-D-glucoside have not been previously found in S. hypericifolia. Data on the presence of quercetin and its derivatives in the extract of S. hypericifolia expand the understanding of the possible practical use of this plant. In addition, the microscopic features of S. hypericifolia leaves were studied. The diagnostic features of the leaf blade necessary for the authentication of raw materials were revealed: straight-walled epidermis cells, stomata located on both sides of the leaf blade (amphistomatic type), two types of trichomes, and wrinkled cuticula with nodi. The main anatomical diagnostic features of the leaves of S. hypericifolia were determined, which makes it possible to assess the authenticity of the raw material.

Truly dorsostable runners: Vertebral mobility in rhinoceroses, tapirs, and horses.

The vertebral column is a hallmark of vertebrates; it is the structural basis of their body and the locomotor apparatus in particular. Locomotion of any vertebrate animal in its typical habitat is directly associated with functional adaptations of its vertebrae. This study is the first large-scale analysis of mobility throughout the presacral region of the vertebral column covering a majority of extant odd-toed ungulates from 6 genera and 15 species. In this study, we used a previously developed osteometry-based method to calculate available range of motion. We quantified all three directions of intervertebral mobility: sagittal bending (SB), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR). The cervical region in perissodactyls was found to be the most mobile region of the presacral vertebral column in LB and SB. Rhinoceroses and tapirs are characterized by the least mobile necks in SB among odd-toed and even-toed ungulates. Equidae are characterized by very mobile necks, especially in LB. The first intrathoracic joint (T1-T2) in Equidae and Tapiridae is characterized by significantly increased mobility in the sagittal plane compared to the typical thoracic joints and is only slightly less mobile than typical cervical joints. The thoracolumbar part of the vertebral column in odd-toed ungulates is very stiff. Perissodactyls are characterized by frequent fusions of vertebrae with each other with complete loss of mobility. The posterior half of the thoracic region in perissodactyls is characterized by especially stiff intervertebral joints in the SB direction. This is probably associated with hindgut fermentation in perissodactyls: the sagittal stiffness of the posterior thoracic region of the vertebral column is able to passively support the hindgut heavily loaded with roughage. Horses are known as a prime example of a dorsostable galloper among mammals. However, based on SB in the lumbosacral part of the backbone, equids appear to be the least dorsostable among extant perissodactyls; the cumulative SB in equids and tapirs is as low as in the largest representatives of artiodactyls, while in Rhinocerotidae it is even lower representing the minimum across all odd-toed and even-toed ungulates. Morphological features of small Paleogene ancestors of rhinoceroses and equids indicate that dorsostability is a derived feature of perissodactyls and evolved convergently in the three extant families.

Synthesis of Aromatic Polyimides Based on 3,4'-Oxydianiline by One-Pot Polycondensation in Molten Benzoic Acid and Their Application as Membrane Materials for Pervaporation.

A series of aromatic polyimides based on the asymmetrical diamine 3,4'-oxydianiline and various tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides, both "rigid" and "flexible" structure, have been synthesized using the original method of one-pot high-temperature catalytic polycondensation in molten benzoic acid. The synthesized polyimides were investigated using fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). It was found that the synthesized polyimides, depending on the used dianhydride, are characterized by different solubility in organic solvent and molten benzoic acid, molecular weight, glass transition temperature (Tg) from 198 to 270 °C, an amorphous or semi crystalline structure with the degree of crystallinity from 41 to 52%. The influence of the method of synthesis on the formation of the crystalline phase of polyimides was studied, and the obtained results were compared with the literature data. The effect of dianhydride chemical structure on the performance of polyimide in pervaporation more specifically, dehydratation of azeotropic isopropanol solution was investigated and compared with the commercially available polyetherimide Ultem 1000™. Membrane structure was studied using scanning electron microscopy. It was found that polyimide PI-DA is the most effective for separation of 88 wt.% isopropanol/12 wt.% water mixture compared to the polyimide PI-6FDA and commercial polyetherimide Ultem 1000™ demonstrating normalized permeation flux of 2.77 kg µm m-2 h-1 and separation factor of 264 (water content in permeate 97 wt.%).

Photonuclear Alchemy: Obtaining Medical Isotopes of Gold from Mercury Irradiated on Electron Accelerators.

In our work, the photonuclear production of 198,199Au isotopes for nuclear medicine purposes was studied, and a method for their recovery from irradiated mercury was developed. The yields of the corresponding nuclear reactions were determined, and a comparison of various methods of obtaining gold radioisotopes was provided. New sorbents based on benzo-15-crown-5, which selectively binds gold, were studied, and the optimal conditions for Au recovery with a high degree of purification from mercury were found. It was established that, for the fast and quantitative recovery of Au isotopes, it was necessary to add at least 0.1 mg of the carrier. As a result, the developed method can be regularly used to obtain 198,199Au for the research of radiopharmaceuticals based on them.

Precise reconstruction of the TME using bulk RNA-seq and a machine learning algorithm trained on artificial transcriptomes.

Cellular deconvolution algorithms virtually reconstruct tissue composition by analyzing the gene expression of complex tissues. We present the decision tree machine learning algorithm, Kassandra, trained on a broad collection of >9,400 tissue and blood sorted cell RNA profiles incorporated into millions of artificial transcriptomes to accurately reconstruct the tumor microenvironment (TME). Bioinformatics correction for technical and biological variability, aberrant cancer cell expression inclusion, and accurate quantification and normalization of transcript expression increased Kassandra stability and robustness. Performance was validated on 4,000 H&E slides and 1,000 tissues by comparison with cytometric, immunohistochemical, or single-cell RNA-seq measurements. Kassandra accurately deconvolved TME elements, showing the role of these populations in tumor pathogenesis and other biological processes. Digital TME reconstruction revealed that the presence of PD-1-positive CD8+ T cells strongly correlated with immunotherapy response and increased the predictive potential of established biomarkers, indicating that Kassandra could potentially be utilized in future clinical applications.

Recovery of 177Lu from Irradiated HfO2 Targets for Nuclear Medicine Purposes.

A new method of production of one of the most widely used isotopes in nuclear medicine, 177Lu, with high chemical purity was developed; this method includes irradiation of the HfO2 target with bremsstrahlung photons. The irradiated target was dissolved in HF and then diluted and placed onto a column filled with LN resin. Quantitative sorption of 177Lu could be observed during this process. The column later was rinsed with the mixture of 0.1 M HF and 1 M HNO3 and then 2 M HNO3 to remove impurities. Quantitative desorption of 177Lu was achieved by using 6 M HNO3. The developed method of 177Lu production ensures high purification of this isotope from macroquantities of hafnium and zirconium and radioactive impurities of carrier-free yttrium. The content of 177mLu in 177Lu in photonuclear production was determined. Due to high chemical and radionuclide purity, 177Lu obtained by the developed method can be used in nuclear medicine.

Aptamers Targeting Cardiac Biomarkers as an Analytical Tool for the Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review.

The detection of cardiac biomarkers is used for diagnostics, prognostics, and the risk assessment of cardiovascular diseases. The analysis of cardiac biomarkers is routinely performed with high-sensitivity immunological assays. Aptamers offer an attractive alternative to antibodies for analytical applications but, to date, are not widely practically implemented in diagnostics and medicinal research. This review summarizes the information on the most common cardiac biomarkers and the current state of aptamer research regarding these biomarkers. Aptamers as an analytical tool are well established for troponin I, troponin T, myoglobin, and C-reactive protein. For the rest of the considered cardiac biomarkers, the isolation of novel aptamers or more detailed characterization of the known aptamers are required. More attention should be addressed to the development of dual-aptamer sandwich detection assays and to the studies of aptamer sensing in alternative biological fluids. The universalization of aptamer-based biomarker detection platforms and the integration of aptamer-based sensing to clinical studies are demanded for the practical implementation of aptamers to routine diagnostics. Nevertheless, the wide usage of aptamers for the diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases is promising for the future, with respect to both point-of-care and laboratory testing.

From dorsomobility to dorsostability: A study of lumbosacral joint range of motion in artiodactyls.

This study is the first analysis of mobility in the lumbosacral joint of even-toed ungulates covering the full range of body masses and running forms. In this study, we modified a previously developed osteometry-based method to calculate the available range of motion (aROM) in the lumbosacral joint in artiodactyls. We quantified all three directions of intervertebral mobility: sagittal bending (SB), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR). This research covers extant artiodactyls from 10 families, 57 genera, and 78 species. The lumbosacral joint in artiodactyls is on average almost twice as mobile in SB as the average intralumbar joint (aROM 15.68° vs 8.22°). In all artiodactyls, the first sacral prezygapophyses are equipped with postfacet fossae determining the available range of lumbosacral hyperextension. SB aROM in the lumbosacral joint in artiodactyls varies almost sevenfold (from 4.53° to 31.19°) and is closely related to the body mass and running form. An allometric equation was developed for the first time, for the joint angular amplitude of motion, exemplified by the artiodactyl lumbosacral SB aROMs, as a power function of body mass, the power coefficient value being close to -0.15. High SB aROM at the lumbosacral joint is characteristic of artiodactyls with at least one of the following characteristics: high cumulative and average SB aROM in the lumbar region (Pearson r = 0.467-0.617), small body mass (r = -0.531), saltatorial or saltatorial-cursorial running form (mean = 16.91-18.63°). The highest SB aROM in the lumbosacral joint is typical for small antelopes and Moschidae (mean = 20.24-20.27°). Among these artiodactyls SB aROMs in the lumbosacral joint are on par with various carnivores. Large and robust artiodactyls, adapted predominantly to mediportal and stilt (running on extremely tall limbs) running forms, have 2-3 times smaller SB aROMs in the lumbosacral joint. Adaptation to endurance galloping in open landscapes (cursorial running form) is accompanied by smaller lumbar and lumbosacral SB aROMs compared to that in saltatorial-cursorial artiodactyls of the same body mass. The wide range of species studied makes it possible to significantly expand the knowledge of relations of the mobility of the lumbosacral joint in artiodactyls to body mass and running form.

Nanopore-based aptasensor for label-free and sensitive vanillin determination in food samples.

Dielectric breakdown technique was utlised to fabricate 5-6 nm nanopores for vanillin detection in various food samples. A highly selective aptamer (Van_74) with high binding affinity towards vanillin was used as capture probe. Under optimal conditions, aptamer/vanillin complex translocation induced deeper events than the bare aptamer. As a result, the proposed nanopore aptasensor exhibits a linear range from 0.5 to 5 nM (R2 = 0.972) and a low detection limit of 500 pM, which is significantly better than conventional platforms. Furthermore, our aptasensor showed excellent immunity against different interferons and was used to detect vanillin in different food samples. The food sample measurements were confirmed with an additional UV-Vis assay, the results of the two techniques were statistically evaluated and showed no statistically significant difference. Hence, this work represents a proof-of-concept involving the design and testing of aptamer/nanopore sensors for small molecules detection, which plays a critical role in food safety.