Aptamers have demonstrated some interesting advantages in a number of assays and analysis methods that have traditionally utilized monoclonal antibodies. From diagnostics to food safety to therapeutics, aptamers are being used to solve unique challenges in a growing number of fields. A partial list of aptamer applications is included below.
Aptamer Methods
Aptamer performance has been demonstrated in a number of different methods. From purification to imaging to detection/quantification, aptamers are enabling the use of traditional methods in new and different ways. Several of the many methods being re-developed with aptamers are listed here.
- Affinity Purification
- Dot Blot
- ELASA (ELISA – like)
- Flow Cytometry
- In Vitro Imaging
- In Vivo Imaging
- Lateral Flow Assays
- Sensors
Aptamer Fields
Aptamer use is rapidly expanding into fields beyond life science research. Aptamer stability makes them ideal reagents for point-of-care and field-based testing kits in many geographic areas. Just a few of the fields exploring aptamers are listed below.
- Bioprocessing
- Diagnostics
- Drugs of Abuse
- Environmental Testing
- Food Safety
- Therapeutics