Impacts of Aptamer Technology on Diagnostics, Biotechnology, and Therapy

Nucleic acid aptamers are synthetic, short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules able to recognize and specifically bind to several targets including small molecules, cells, and whole organisms. Aptamers can be selected from a random-sequence oligonucleotide library by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment with specificity and affinity that are comparable to antibodies, presenting as a relevant research tool for disease investigation and a promising approach for therapy. In addition, because of their in vitro synthesis, oligonucleotide aptamers can easily be produced and modified to improve stability and pharmacokinetic properties. Several aptamer-based drug candidates are in clinical trial phases, which indicates their therapeutic potential.