Member-only story

Aptamers: Biotechnological Applications of Next Generation Tool

Sam Carter

·13.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Aptamers: Biotechnological Applications Of A Next Generation Tool

3 min read · 1 month before

152 View Claps

30 Respond

Save

Listen

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind to specific target molecules. They are generated by a process called SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment),which involves incubating a library of random DNA or RNA sequences with the target molecule and then selecting for those sequences that bind most tightly. Aptamers have a number of advantages over traditional antibodies, including their small size, high affinity, and ability to be easily modified.

Applications of Aptamers in Biotechnology

Aptamers have a wide range of applications in biotechnology, including:

Aptamers: Biotechnological Applications of a Next Generation Tool

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13145 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	323 pages

Diagnostics: Aptamers can be used to develop diagnostic tests for a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and infectious diseases. Aptamer-based diagnostic tests are typically more sensitive and specific than traditional antibody-based tests.
Therapeutics: Aptamers can be used to develop therapeutic drugs for a variety of diseases, including cancer, arthritis, and macular degeneration. Aptamer-based drugs are typically more targeted and have fewer side effects than traditional drugs.
Biosensors: Aptamers can be used to develop biosensors for a variety of analytes, including proteins, DNA, and small molecules. Aptamer-based biosensors are typically more sensitive and specific than traditional antibody-based biosensors.

Advantages of Aptamers over Traditional Antibodies

Aptamers have a number of advantages over traditional antibodies, including:

Small size: Aptamers are much smaller than antibodies, which makes them easier to penetrate into tissues and cells.
High affinity: Aptamers can bind to their target molecules with very high affinity, which makes them ideal for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Ability to be easily modified: Aptamers can be easily modified to improve their binding properties, stability, and delivery.

Aptamers are a promising new tool for biotechnology. They have a wide range of applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosensors. Aptamers offer a number of advantages over traditional antibodies, including their small size, high affinity, and ability to be easily modified. As research on aptamers continues, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking applications for this technology in the future.

National Center for Biotechnology Information

Aptamers: Biotechnological Applications of a Next Generation Tool

5 out of 5