Centre of Biosciences SAS
Topic
Biomarkers of Early Cancer Diagnosis: Development of Aptamer-Based Biosensors and Their Clinical Validation
PhD. program
Biochemistry
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
Ing. Alexandra Poturnayová, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology of STU in Bratislava
Annotation
Early diagnosis of oncological diseases represents one of the key factors in improving patient prognosis and survival. Despite intensive research efforts, reliable, highly sensitive, and non-invasive biomarkers suitable for routine clinical practice are still lacking. This PhD thesis focuses on the identification and experimental validation of potential biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis, particularly circulating microRNAs and exosomes, through the development of advanced aptamer-based biosensors.
The main objective of the thesis is the design, optimization, and characterization of electrochemical and QCM biosensor platforms based on specific DNA aptamers, enabling highly selective and sensitive detection of target biomolecules in biological samples. The work will include a detailed analysis of aptamer–biomarker binding interactions, evaluation of key analytical parameters of the biosensors (limit of detection, linear dynamic range, selectivity, and reproducibility), and their systematic comparison with conventional diagnostic methods. The developed biosensors will be tested using clinically relevant blood samples in collaboration with clinical partners, ensuring clinical validation and assessment of their application potential.
The results of this PhD thesis have the potential to contribute to the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools, support the implementation of liquid biopsy approaches in clinical practice, and expand the possibilities of personalized oncological diagnostics.
The main objective of the thesis is the design, optimization, and characterization of electrochemical and QCM biosensor platforms based on specific DNA aptamers, enabling highly selective and sensitive detection of target biomolecules in biological samples. The work will include a detailed analysis of aptamer–biomarker binding interactions, evaluation of key analytical parameters of the biosensors (limit of detection, linear dynamic range, selectivity, and reproducibility), and their systematic comparison with conventional diagnostic methods. The developed biosensors will be tested using clinically relevant blood samples in collaboration with clinical partners, ensuring clinical validation and assessment of their application potential.
The results of this PhD thesis have the potential to contribute to the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools, support the implementation of liquid biopsy approaches in clinical practice, and expand the possibilities of personalized oncological diagnostics.