Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
11:14
Primer-Free Aptamer Selection Using A Random DNA Library
Published on: July 26, 2010
24.8K
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
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.
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.
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