A high-performance aptasensor for mercury(II) based on the formation of a unique ternary structure of aptamer-Hg(2+)-neutral red.

A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical aptasensor for mercury(II) has been developed based on the formation of a ternary complex between a mercury(II) specific aptamer (MSA), the neutral red (NR) molecule and the Hg(2+) ion without pre-modification of the probe aptamer.