​Dr. Mohammed Zourob participated in IFCC WorldLab 2024, held 26–30 May 2024 in Dubai, UAE, where he presented his research titled “Development of Rapid Aptameric Biosensors.” The congress gathered international experts to discuss advances and innovations in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine.

Abstract : 

The increasing demand for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic tools in clinical and environmental settings has driven significant advancements in biosensor technologies. In this lecture, we present recent developments in rapid aptameric biosensors that leverage the unique molecular recognition properties of aptamers — short single-stranded DNA/RNA sequences selected for high affinity and specificity via SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) — integrated with electrochemical and optical transduction platforms. These biosensors demonstrate rapid response times and enhanced analytical performance suitable for point-of-care applications, addressing limitations of traditional detection methods in speed, sensitivity, and portability. Key innovations include label-free electrochemical aptasensors, multiplexed detection arrays, and low-cost colorimetric formats that enable direct analyte readouts with minimal instrumentation. The potential for deploying these aptameric biosensors across a range of targets — including pathogens, toxins, biomarkers, and clinically relevant analytes — highlights their transformative role in next-generation diagnostics and personalized medicine. ​