Potential applications of aptamers in veterinary science

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Biotechnology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Aptamers are small nucleic acid molecules with high specificity for various targets.
• They offer advantages over antibodies, including low immunogenicity and ease of in vitro selection.
• Despite their potential, aptamer applications in veterinary medicine are currently limited, primarily to research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current aptamer applications in veterinary science.
• To explore potential future applications by drawing parallels with human medicine discoveries.
• To highlight the growing interest and market potential of aptamers in animal health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of aptamer selection, properties, and applications.
• Analysis of aptamer use in veterinary food safety, environmental safety, diagnostics, and treatment.
• Exploration of potential veterinary applications based on human medicine advancements.

Main Results:

• Aptamers demonstrate specific binding to diverse targets, including organic molecules and metal ions.
• Current veterinary applications are mainly in research, with emerging uses in food/environmental safety and diagnostics.
• Potential applications include rapid, point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases in animals.

Conclusions:

• Aptamers hold significant promise for advancing veterinary diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Future research could expand aptamer use for improved animal health and public safety within a One Health framework.
• The growing interest suggests a developing market for aptamer-based veterinary solutions.