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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Nucleoside Triphosphates - From Synthesis to Biochemical Characterization
Published on: April 3, 2014
Chemical Modifications of Nucleic Acid Aptamers for Therapeutic Purposes
Shuaijian Ni1,2, Houzong Yao3,4, Lili Wang5,6
1Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China. jack6shuai@163.com.
Abstract:
Nucleic acid aptamers have minimal immunogenicity, high chemical synthesis production, low cost and high chemical stability when compared with antibodies. However, the susceptibility to nuclease degradation, rapid excretion through renal filtration and insufficient binding affinity hindered their development as drug candidates for therapeutic applications. In this review, we will discuss methods to conquer these challenges and highlight recent developments of chemical modifications and technological advances that may enable early aptamers to be translated into clinical therapeutics.
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