Physical/Analytical Seminar
"Selection of DNA Aptamers: From Small Molecules to Microplastics"
Abstract: Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids that are highly useful for designing biosensors. They were obtained by using a combinatorial selection method called SELEX. Most of the previous aptamer selections were performed using immobilized target molecules, and some aptamers were found to be unable to bind to their intended targets. In this talk, recent work on new aptamers selected using immobilized DNA library will be discussed, addressing the effect of critical parameters such as target concentration, pH and salt. The type of targets range from metal ions, small molecules, proteins, tissues and microplastics. Aptamers for over 100 targets were obtained in the lab over the past five years, and this talk aims to provide fundamental insights into aptamer selection.
Originally published at chemistry.nd.edu.