Custom Aptamer Synthesis

Aptamers are nucleic acid sequences or single-stranded oligonucleotides with specific sequences that fold and bind selectively to particular molecules or targets. CD Formulation, a leading biotechnology company, provides a comprehensive range of services to develop high-quality, customized aptamers for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

About Aptamers

Aptamers are short sequences of nucleotides, usually ranging from 20 to 100 units of DNA/RNA. They have a unique three-dimensional shape that allows them to specifically recognize and bind to target molecules with high affinity. These molecules are synthetically produced in a laboratory through chemical processes, which provides benefits like quick production times, low costs, high stability, and a great degree of specificity.

The small and flexible structure of aptamers enables them to bind to smaller targets or concealed domains that antibodies cannot access. Additionally, aptamers can serve as carriers for drug delivery, such as in aptamer-drug conjugates (ApDCs), allowing for the precise delivery of drugs, including chemotherapeutic agents, therapeutic RNAs, toxins, and radioisotopes, directly into cancer cells.

Fig.1 Features of Aptamer. (CD Formulation)

Explore Our Aptamer Synthesis Services

CD Formulation has extensive experience in the synthesis of small nucleic acids and offers nucleic acid aptamer synthesis services based on protein targets.

Customized Aptamer Synthesis

SELEX is a well-established and widely used technique for selecting high-affinity aptamers. SELEX consists of incubation, combination, distribution, and amplification, which are repeated four times.

First, a library of random oligonucleotide sequences (the starting library) is incubated with target molecules. During this incubation, some sequences bind to the target molecules, while others bind weakly or do not interact with them at all. The bound sequences are then separated from the weakly bound or unbound sequences.

Next, the eluted oligonucleotides are amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA sequences and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) for RNA sequences to enrich the library.

Then, the obtained single-stranded DNA was then utilized for the subsequent round of selection. The processes of binding, isolation, and amplification must be repeated to achieve a sufficiently enriched nucleic acid pool of target-binding sequences. Typically, an enriched nucleic acid pool can be obtained through 5 to 15 rounds. The enriched pool is sequenced, and candidate aptamers are identified from the sequencing results using bioinformatics analysis.

Finally, the selected aptamers are chemically synthesized and characterized.

General Workflow for Aptamer Preparation

Fig.2 Flow chart of aptamer preparation. (CD Formulation)

• Sequence Design

Design the initial nucleic acid sequence of the aptamer using bioinformatics tools to enhance its binding affinity for the target molecule.

• Library Construction

Synthesize diverse libraries containing a wide variety of nucleic acid sequences to identify the most suitable aptamer in the subsequent screening steps.

• Screening (SELEX)

The selection of aptamers with high affinity and specificity for the target is achieved through a systematic evolutionary enrichment and screening technique (SELEEX) applied to nucleic acid libraries.

• Sequence Optimization

The screened aptamer sequences are further optimized to enhance their stability and binding efficiency.

• Synthesis and Modification

Synthesize the optimized aptamer and chemically modify it to enhance its functionality or stability based on the specific application requirements.

• Evaluation and Validation

In vitro and in vivo experiments are conducted to verify the binding properties and biological activities of the synthesized aptamers, ensuring their effectiveness.

Our Technology Platforms

Nucleic Acid Design Platform

Successful aptamer design typically involves multiple cycles of screening and amplification to progressively enhance the affinity and specificity of the aptamer sequence.

• Target Identification and Validation Platform
• Target Screening Platform
• Sequence Design Platform

Nucleic Acid Preparation Platform

When a particular aptamer sequence is ready, the following phase involves its preparation using either chemical synthesis or enzymatic in vitro transcription. Chemical synthesis is usually used for creating smaller nucleic acid fragments, whereas in vitro transcription is better suited for longer sequences.

• Solid Phase Synthesis Technology Platform
• Enzymatic Synthesis Technology Platform
• Genetic Engineering Technology Platform

Analytical Platforms for Nucleic Acids

CD Formulation's analytical techniques can be employed to assess the purity and accuracy of nucleic acids, thereby confirming their effectiveness in practical applications.

Why Choose Us for Customized Aptamer Synthesis?

• Our aptamers can recognize a wide range of target molecules, including proteins, viruses, bacteria, cells, and heavy metal ions, without the limitations associated with immunogenicity, toxicity, and stability.
• Aptamers are derived from random nucleic acid libraries using the in vitro screening technology known as SELEX. This method eliminates the need for processes such as animal immunization or cell culture, resulting in a shorter screening cycle, typically completed within a few weeks.
• Nucleic acid aptamers are synthesized chemically, ensuring high structural consistency and purity. As a result, batch-to-batch variation is minimized, making quality control more straightforward.
• Nucleic acid aptamers are highly modifiable, allowing for the introduction of various functional groups or markers into their fixed or random sequences. This modification enhances their functionality and detection capabilities.

Publication Data

CD Formulation offers custom synthesis services for aptamers, encompassing the entire process from target selection and sequence design to synthesis and optimization. Through meticulous screening and optimization, we ensure that the aptamers exhibit high specificity and affinity to meet our customers' research and application requirements. Contact us for professional aptamer customization solutions tailored to your needs.

How It Works

STEP 1

Submit a service request describing your specific research or development need.

STEP 2

We'll email you to provide your quote and confirm order details if applicable.

STEP 3

Execute the project with real-time communication, and deliver the final report promptly.