Novel oligonucleotide-based sorbent for the selective extraction of cadmium from serum samples.

The objective was to develop a sorbent functionalized with aptamers for the selective extraction of cadmium from biological samples. Two oligonucleotide sequences reported in literature as specific to cadmium were covalently grafted on activated Sepharose, with grafting yields of 45%. Once the supports packed in cartridges, a thorough study of the percolation conditions favoring Cd(II) retention was performed, demonstrating the importance of the nature of this medium.