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Updated: May 11, 2026

Primer-Free Aptamer Selection Using A Random DNA Library
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Solution-based biophysical characterization of conformation change in structure-switching aptamers.

Sophie R Eisen1, Philippe Dauphin-Ducharme2, Philip E Johnson1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Quarterly Reviews of Biophysics
|September 3, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Structure-switching aptamers are crucial for biosensors but often require engineering. This review details biophysical techniques to characterize aptamer structure switching, aiding biosensor development.

Keywords:
DNAaptamersbiophysical methodsligand-induced foldingstructural change

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Structure-switching aptamers are vital for biosensor signaling.
  • Most aptamers lack inherent structure-switching properties, necessitating engineering.
  • Characterizing aptamer conformational changes upon target binding is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review biophysical characterization tools for assessing aptamer structure switching.
  • To explain the fundamentals and applications of these techniques for aptamer-ligand systems.
  • To guide researchers in acquiring essential biophysical information for aptamer development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established biophysical characterization techniques.
  • Analysis of how these methods assess aptamer conformational changes.
  • Emphasis on the synergistic use of multiple techniques.

Main Results:

  • Several biophysical techniques can assess aptamer structure switching.
  • Understanding these techniques is key to characterizing aptamer-ligand interactions.
  • Combined application of techniques provides robust evidence of structural changes.

Conclusions:

  • Biophysical characterization is essential for engineering structure-switching aptamers.
  • A multi-technique approach enhances the reliability of structural change assessment.
  • Improved characterization will accelerate aptamer translation into functional biosensors.