New Horizons with A Multi Dimensional Tool for Applications in Analytical Chemistry—Aptamer

Abstract

Enzymes, microbes, antibodies, plant or animal cells/tissues/organelles have been used as biological molecular recognition agents (MRAs) for preparation of biosensors and development of bioanalytical methods. The progress in different technologies has evolved high sensitivity and specificity of MRAs such as enzymes, microbes, antibodies, and new agents like aptamers, and artificial materials (molecular imprints, peptides, nucleic acids, etc). Among these recognition agents aptamers have gained considerable importance and become exciting candidates from the beginning as MRAs. Aptamers can be selected in vitro from a randomized pool of oligonucleotides (10¹⁴–10¹⁵ molecules) by a method called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers with simple structures and easy generation in vitro have been applied in multi disciplines, since they displayed high affinity and selectivity towards the target molecules. The dynamic features of aptamers are highly useful in the development of new bioanalytical techniques, diagnostic tools, and biosensors. This review mainly focused on the advantages, advances, and applications of aptamers.

Keywords:

• Aptamer
• Aptamer beacons
• Biosensors
• Nuclease resistant nucleic acids
• SELEX

Acknowledgments

This project was supported by Scientific Fund for National Outstanding Young Scientists (No. 20325518), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 20275017), Specialized Research Fund for Excellent Young Teachers from the Chinese Ministry of Education.