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Aptamer screening service:Technical Highlights of the Aptamer Development Process

Date:2025-12-21

Technical Highlights of the Aptamer Development Process

Aptamer development is centered around the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) process. Its key technological highlights can be summarized in the following stages:

1. Library Design & Synthesis

  • Vast Diversity: Creation of a synthetic random-sequence oligonucleotide library (typically 10^14 – 10^15 different sequences) flanked by fixed primer regions.

  • Chemical Modification: Incorporation of modified nucleotides (e.g., 2′-F, 2′-O-Me) to enhance nuclease resistance and binding affinity post-selection.

2. Target-Specific Selection (The Core of SELEX)

  • Incubation: The library is incubated with the immobilized or soluble target molecule (protein, small molecule, cell, etc.).

  • Partitioning: Efficient separation of target-bound sequences from unbound ones using methods like filtration, affinity chromatography, or capillary electrophoresis.

  • Counter-Selection: A critical step to subtract sequences that bind to non-target components (e.g., immobilization matrix or related off-targets), drastically improving specificity.

3. Amplification & Iteration

  • PCR/RT-PCR: Recovery and exponential amplification of the bound sequences to generate an enriched pool for the next selection round.

  • Stringency Control: Gradual increase in selection pressure (e.g., reduced target concentration, shorter incubation time, stringent washes) over successive rounds (typically 8-15 rounds) to drive the evolution of high-affinity, specific binders.

4. Cloning, Sequencing & Characterization

  • Clone Isolation: Post-SELEX, the enriched pool is cloned, and individual sequences are identified.

  • Bioinformatics Analysis: Clustering of sequences to identify consensus families and structural motifs.

  • Affinity & Specificity Assay: Characterization of candidate aptamers using techniques like Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), ELISA, or flow cytometry to determine dissociation constant (Kd), selectivity, and functional efficacy.

Key Advantages Highlighted by the Process:

  • In vitro Evolution: Entirely conducted in a test tube, allowing selection against non-immunogenic or toxic targets.

  • Controllability: Precise control over selection conditions (buffer, temperature, pH).

  • Synthetic Origin: Resulting aptamers are chemically synthesizable with high batch-to-batch consistency.