A Method of Identifying or Producing an Aptamer

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides an improved method for identifying or producing aptamers—short nucleic acid sequences that bind specifically to target molecules—by introducing modified nucleotides containing azide-alkyne groups via click chemistry during the SELEX selection process. The modification enhances the chemical diversity of the aptamer library, allows introduction of a wide range of functional groups, and maintains compatibility with standard enzymatic amplification methods such as PCR. The method can generate aptamers with novel properties and higher specificity or affinity for a variety of biological and chemical targets.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Development of high-specificity aptamers for diagnostics, capable of detecting specific proteins, peptides, or biomolecules in complex samples (e.g., blood, serum, biopsies).
• Creation of therapeutic aptamers that deliver drugs or toxins specifically to disease-associated targets (e.g., cancer-derived microvesicles or cells).
• Design of aptamer-based biosensors for real-time detection of environmental, medical, or food-related targets, including pathogens or toxins.
• Use of aptamer arrays in proteomic or biomarker discovery research.
• Improving targeted drug delivery systems by modifying aptamers to carry specific active agents (e.g., chemotherapeutics, radionuclides) to disease sites.
• Development of personalized medicine tools for disease monitoring (diagnosis, prognosis, therapy selection, response assessment, etc.) by profiling disease-related biomarkers.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables incorporation of diverse chemical modifications into aptamer libraries, increasing the range of potential binding interactions and molecular recognition capabilities.
• Allows rapid, efficient, and scalable production of modified aptamers without requiring complex or laborious chemical synthesis of each candidate.
• Maintains compatibility with enzymatic amplification (such as PCR), streamlining the SELEX process and facilitating iterative enrichment of high-affinity binders.
• Broader target versatility—modified aptamers can be selected for proteins, cells, small molecules, or entire biological fluids, and used in complex biological environments.
• Potential to create aptamers with higher specificity, affinity, and novel functional properties (such as light sensitivity or payload delivery).
• Facilitates development of aptamer-based diagnostic and therapeutic reagents that are chemically robust, tunable, and suitable for a wide array of clinical and research applications.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method of identifying or producing an aptamer, and a reagent comprising a nucleic acid ligand capable of binding a target sample, wherein the nucleic acid ligand comprises at least one nucleobase modified to contain an azide-alkyne chemical group.