Aptamer-based sensors selectively detect and measure a wide variety of molecules. When the target molecule is present, it binds to a specifically designed aptamer probe which creates a measurable electrochemical signal. Due to their specificity and selectivity, these sensors are useful for clinical diagnostics, food sample analysis, and environmental testing applications. However, these sensors require calibration or prior knowledge of the amount of the target molecule in the tested substance prior to use.

Calibration of an aptamer-based sensor is typically a requirement to achieve an accurate measurement. Furthermore, prior knowledge of the target concentration or baseline scans are typically needed to enable proper measurements.