aptamère

Aptamers are short, single-stranded nucleic acid molecules, typically DNA or RNA, that can bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and selectivity. These targets can include a wide range of substances such as small molecules, proteins, viruses, and even cells. The name "aptamer" comes from the Latin word "aptus" meaning "to fit" and the Greek word "meros" meaning "part."

Aptamers are generated through a process called SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment). This iterative process involves synthesizing a large library of random nucleic acid sequences, incubating this library with the target molecule, and then separating the bound sequences from the unbound ones. The bound sequences are then amplified, and the process is repeated for multiple cycles, gradually enriching for sequences that bind most effectively to the target.

The ability of aptamers to bind to specific targets makes them valuable tools in various fields. In diagnostics, aptamers can be used as capture molecules in biosensors or as components in lateral flow assays. In therapeutics, aptamers can be designed to block the activity of disease-causing proteins or to deliver drugs to specific cells. Their small size, stability, and low immunogenicity are advantageous for therapeutic applications. Aptamers can also be used in molecular biology research as reagents to detect and isolate specific molecules.