Research Tool
Aptamers
Added May 19, 2026
Aptamers (synthetic antibodies) are stable DNA or RNA ligands that bind with high affinity and specificity to target antigens such as small molecules, peptides, proteins, cells, and tissues. For example, RNA aptamers have been generated that exhibit greater than 10,000-fold binding affinity for theophylline over caffeine, which differ only by a few atoms. Recently, a DNA aptamer has been developed with 250,000-folded specificity against the same small molecules.
Aptamer products can be used as research agents, diagnostics, biosensors, and tools for biomarker or drug discovery. Aptamers can also be used for bioindustrial applications and targeted therapeutics.
