Key Factors and Optimization Strategies for Successful Aptamer Selection

In the past decade, the application scope of aptamers in biochemistry and medicine has rapidly expanded. Aptamers are not merely alternatives to antibodies; they demonstrate immense application potential in diagnostics, specific drug delivery, and the treatment of certain medical conditions. However, few have analyzed the aptamer identification process, namely SELEX, and its core functional mechanisms.

SELEX involves numerous individual processes, each of which can influence the success or failure of aptamer generation. This review delves into the critical steps of the aptamer selection process, presenting specific problems and potential solutions. The discussion includes the size and molecular type of the selected target, the nature and stringency of the selection process, the amplification step and its possible PCR biases, the effective regeneration capability of RNA or single-stranded DNA, different sequencing procedures, and the screening of currently available detection methods. Finally, useful quality control steps and their roles in SELEX are introduced. By understanding the mechanisms that influence aptamer selection, more effective SELEX processes can be designed, thereby increasing the success rate of aptamer identification.

In this article, the critical steps in the aptamer selection process are thoroughly discussed, along with specific problems and potential solutions for aptamer identification.

Reference：

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34427974/