Current approaches in SELEX: An update to aptamer selection technology.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is a key technology for generating high-affinity aptamers.
• Aptamers, selected via SELEX, are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules with potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.
• The SELEX process has undergone significant modifications since its inception to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in SELEX methodologies.
• To highlight the advantages, obstacles, and limitations of current SELEX techniques.
• To outline post-SELEX strategies and application examples.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on SELEX modifications and advancements.
• Analysis of SELEX efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and time-saving aspects.
• Summary of post-SELEX strategies and diverse application examples.

Main Results:

• SELEX technology has been refined through numerous modifications, enhancing its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Recent advances have significantly reduced the time required for aptamer selection.
• Various post-SELEX strategies have been developed to optimize aptamer utility.

Conclusions:

• Modernized SELEX methods offer improved efficiency and reduced time for aptamer generation.
• Aptamers selected through advanced SELEX techniques hold significant promise for biomedical research and theranostics.
• Continued development in SELEX and post-SELEX strategies will further expand aptamer applications.