DNA/RNA Aptamer Microarrays

DNA/RNA Aptamer Analysis and Aptamer Microarrays

Aptamers are highly structured oligonucleotides with specific binding properties, which are selected from a combinatorial library of synthetic nucleic acids by an iterative process referred to as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers have many advantages because they can compete with antibodies to assist in multiple analysis methods for target and non-target molecular analysis, such as biosensors, affinity capillary electrophoresis, and affinity chromatography. They have high applicability in the identification, separation and detection of various analytes, such as amino acids, drugs, metal ions, peptides, proteins and even cells. The characterization of the binding affinity and specificity of aptamer candidates is a key but challenging step in the discovery process because the throughput of traditional tools is usually low. However, by performing these assays on a microarray, characterization can be performed in a high-throughput parallel manner.

Aptamer microarray technology overcomes the limitations of protein/antibody microarrays due to antibodies and takes advantage of the advantages of DNA/RNA microarrays. Aptamers are fixed on the surface of the microarray and serve as probes for various substances. The aptamer microarray manufacturing technology can be divided into two categories. On the one hand, aptamers can be synthesized directly on the surface of the microarray through in-situ synthesis. The limitation of the in-situ synthesis of ready-to-use microarray is that it is impossible to purify the aptamer after synthesis. On the other hand, aptamers can be attached to the microarray after synthesis and purification, the so-called post-synthesis immobilization.

Technical advantages

• The aptamer itself has characteristics superior to antibodies:

(1) Aptamers are much smaller than antibodies and can form a higher density affinity stationary phase on the surface of the microchannel;
(2) Aptamers are easier to be modified at the terminal sites and have various functional groups, which makes them easier to fix on the support;
(3) Aptamers are more stable than antibodies at room temperature and under harsh elution conditions (such as extreme pH, urea, organic solvents, chaotropic salts or other detergents);

• Aptamers can specifically bind various targets from small organic molecules to supramolecular structures;
• Aptamers have many advantages such as good stability, high affinity and strong specificity;

CD Genomics provides analysis services based on aptamer microarrays. We have an advanced microarray experiment platform, a professional team of scientists, and are committed to cooperating with researchers from all over the world. Customers can directly contact our employees and provide timely feedback on their questions. If you want to save valuable time and resources, please contact us for more detailed information.