A review on magnetic beads-based SELEX technologies: Applications from small to large target molecules

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Aptamer selection is crucial for developing molecular recognition tools.
• Magnetic beads (MBs)-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) offers a versatile platform for aptamer discovery.
• Existing methods face challenges in efficiently isolating aptamers against diverse target molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of MBs-based SELEX strategies for aptamer selection.
• To discuss the application of MBs-SELEX for both small and large target molecules.
• To highlight recent advancements and future perspectives in MBs-SELEX technology.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing stepwise strategies for MBs-based aptamer selection.
• Analyzing target size-dependent particularities in SELEX.
• Reviewing novel instrumentation and materials, including fluorescence MBs-SELEX and microfluidic systems.

Main Results:

• MBs-SELEX is effective for isolating aptamers against small molecules (<1000 Da) like toxins and hormones.
• MBs-SELEX is also suitable for large targets such as proteins, including biomarkers and pathogens.
• Recent advances enhance efficiency through novel technologies like fluorescence and microfluidics.

Conclusions:

• MBs-SELEX provides a robust and adaptable method for aptamer screening against a wide range of targets.
• The technology offers practical insights for researchers in aptamer development.
• Continued innovation in instrumentation and materials promises further improvements in aptamer selection efficiency.