Detection of toxic small molecule contaminants with sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity is a challenging task. Traditionally used HPLC and mass spectrometry-based assays suffer from several drawbacks, including lengthy sample preparation, heavy instrumentation, and the need for expert technicians. Specific, measurable, accurate, robust, and time-saving (SMART) biosensors are needed to detect toxic substances. Aptamers provide unique opportunities for the rapid development of SMART biosensors to meet above challenges. Since aptamers are short nucleotide sequences; they are easy for chemical synthesis and functional modifications. Aptamers acquire specific molecule recognition potential through unique chemical bonding, including H-bonds, pi-pi, van der Waals, and hydrophobic interactions. For the discovery of aptamers, the SELEX process is used. Recently, efforts have been made to develop aptamers to detect toxic small molecules like antibiotics, pesticides, insecticides, pollutants, toxins, and allergens. Aptamer technology is a promising tool for analyzing these chemicals from diverse matrices. This review provides an update on advances in nucleic acid-based aptameric sensors for molecular diagnostics of toxic chemical from food, water, human fluids, and the environment.

以灵敏度、准确性和特异性检测有毒小分子污染物是一项具有挑战性的任务。传统上使用的基于 HPLC 和质谱的分析方法有几个缺点，包括冗长的样品制备、笨重的仪器以及对专业技术人员的需求。检测有毒物质需要特定的、可测量的、准确的、稳健的和省时的 (SMART) 生物传感器。适体为快速开发 SMART 生物传感器以应对上述挑战提供了独特的机会。由于适体是短核苷酸序列；它们易于化学合成和功能修饰。适体通过独特的化学键合获得特定的分子识别潜力，包括氢键、pi-pi、范德华力和疏水相互作用。为了发现适体，使用了 SELEX 过程。最近，人们努力开发适体来检测有毒小分子，如抗生素、杀虫剂、杀虫剂、污染物、毒素和过敏原。适体技术是一种很有前途的工具，可用于分析来自不同基质的这些化学物质。这篇综述提供了基于核酸的适体传感器的最新进展，用于食品、水、人体体液和环境中有毒化学物质的分子诊断。