Aptamers: versatile probes for flow cytometry

authored by

Michael Meyer, Thomas Scheper, Johanna Gabriela Walter

Abstract

Aptamers are nucleic acid oligomers with distinct conformational shapes that allow them to bind targets with high affinity and specificity. Aptamers are selected from a random oligonucleotide library by their capability to bind a certain molecular target. A variety of targets ranging from small molecules like amino acids to complex targets and whole cells have been used to select aptamers. These characteristics and the ability to create specific aptamers against virtually any cell type in a process termed "systematic evolution by exponential enrichment" make them interesting tools for flow cytometry. In this contribution, we review the application of aptamers as probes for flow cytometry, especially cell-phenotyping and detection of various cancer cell lines and virus-infected cells and pathogens. We also discuss the potential of aptamers combined with nanoparticles such as quantum dots for the generation of new multivalent detector molecules with enhanced affinity and sensitivity. With regard to recent advancements in aptamer selection and the decreasing costs for oligonucleotide synthesis, aptamers may rise as potent competitors for antibodies as molecular probes in flow cytometry.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Technical Chemistry

Type

Review article

Journal

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Volume

97

Pages

7097-7109

No. of pages

13

ISSN

0175-7598

Publication date

10.07.2013

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Biotechnology, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-5070-z (Access: Unknown)