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Updated: Jul 31, 2025
A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
Published on: September 13, 2022
Advanced cancer targeting using aptamer functionalized nanocarriers for site-specific cargo delivery
Mahavir Narwade1, Aazam Shaikh2,3, Kavita R Gajbhiye1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, India.
Abstract:
The non-specificity of standard anticancer therapies has profound detrimental consequences in clinical treatment. Therapeutic specificity can be precisely achieved using cutting-edge ligands. Small synthetic oligonucleotide-ligands chosen through Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) would be an unceasing innovation in using nucleic acids as aptamers, frequently referred to as "chemical antibodies." Aptamers act as externally controlled switching materials that can attach to various substrates, for example, membrane proteins or nucleic acid structures. Aptamers pose excellent specificity and affinity for target molecules and can be used as medicines to suppress tumor cell growth directly. The creation of aptamer-conjugated nanoconstructs has recently opened up innovative options in cancer therapy that are more effective and target tumor cells with minor toxicity to healthy tissues. This review focuses on a comprehensive description of the most capable classes of aptamer-tethered nanocarriers for precise recognition of cancer cells with significant development in proficiency, selectivity, and targetability for cancer therapy. Existing theranostic applications with the problems and future directions are also highlighted.
Insights
Aptamers, or "chemical antibodies," offer precise cancer cell targeting. Aptamer-nanocarrier conjugates enhance cancer therapy efficacy and reduce toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Standard anticancer therapies lack specificity, leading to severe side effects.
- Aptamers, selected via Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX), are novel oligonucleotide-based ligands with high specificity and affinity.
- Aptamers function as molecular switches, binding to targets like membrane proteins for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review aptamer-tethered nanocarriers for precise cancer cell recognition.
- To highlight advancements in aptamer-based cancer therapy targeting, selectivity, and efficacy.
- To discuss current theranostic applications, challenges, and future directions in aptamer nanotechnology for oncology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) for aptamer selection.
- Conjugation of aptamers to nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery.
- Review of literature on aptamer-nanoconstructs in cancer therapy and theranostics.
Main Results:
- Aptamer-conjugated nanocarriers demonstrate enhanced proficiency, selectivity, and targetability for cancer cells.
- These nanoconstructs offer innovative therapeutic options with reduced toxicity compared to conventional treatments.
- Significant developments in aptamer-based nanomedicine are improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Aptamer-tethered nanocarriers represent a promising frontier in precision oncology.
- Further research into theranostic applications can optimize cancer detection and treatment.
- Aptamers hold substantial potential for developing next-generation cancer therapeutics with improved safety and effectiveness.
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