bugles, which drive more interaction through tridimensional contacts with the
target [4].
Thus, a variety of targets, such as proteins, peptides, lipids, and toxins, are able to
be recognized by aptamers. The oligonucleotide nature confers a wide range of pH
and temperature stability, compared with their protein analogues, the antibodies.
Aptamer size, charge, and flexibility also enable binding to hidden epitopes, as well
as high tissue penetration [5, 6]. This feature also allows easy chemical modifications
and thus diverse applications. Additionally, non-immunogenic and nontoxic properties provide a biological safety profile for pharmaceutical approaches [7].
For many years, antibodies were the primary molecule used to specifically detect
an expressed molecule in a pathology sample. However, aptamers can achieve
similar affinities as antibodies, resulting in binding specific and diverse targets
with several advantages [6]. Fast and easy identification methodologies with a stable
and reproducible product are critical features at this time.
Because of their physicochemical and biological advantages and the critical
situation of the high-cost market place, aptamers have emerged as a powerful
tool [8].
2 Aptamers-Based Diagnostic
It is well-known that an early diagnosis has a direct impact on the prognosis of a
disease. Even when age and other risk factors impact treatment selection, an early
and accurate diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
In this sense, it is imperative to detect the disease in at the moment of appearance,
avoiding its advancement. Early diagnosis is possible with sensitive methods involving acute detecting agents. As the amount of target to be detected becomes smaller,
the more sensitive the diagnostic method must be [9].
There are two conditions necessary to perform a successful diagnosis: recognition
of abnormal characteristics and the accurate detection.
Because effective strategies to identify and recognize targets are crucial, recent
efforts have emphasized the use of aptamers. As a targeting component, aptamers are
ideal and can be easily functionalized with the attachment of a signal agent, which
allows for detection with measurement instruments. In most cases, these additional
components must be considered with the aim to detect the binding and amplification
of the signal. Aptamer modifications can be achieved without impacting their
binding capacity, based on the chemical composition, size, charge, and the wide
range of pH and temperature stability.
Hence, aptamers and functionalization methodologies are the fundamental
parameters to creating a sensitive diagnostic technique, which includes big efforts
in the conception of strategies and the design of the probe.
Aptamers in Diagnostic and Molecular Imaging Applications
143
target [4].
Thus, a variety of targets, such as proteins, peptides, lipids, and toxins, are able to
be recognized by aptamers. The oligonucleotide nature confers a wide range of pH
and temperature stability, compared with their protein analogues, the antibodies.
Aptamer size, charge, and flexibility also enable binding to hidden epitopes, as well
as high tissue penetration [5, 6]. This feature also allows easy chemical modifications
and thus diverse applications. Additionally, non-immunogenic and nontoxic properties provide a biological safety profile for pharmaceutical approaches [7].
For many years, antibodies were the primary molecule used to specifically detect
an expressed molecule in a pathology sample. However, aptamers can achieve
similar affinities as antibodies, resulting in binding specific and diverse targets
with several advantages [6]. Fast and easy identification methodologies with a stable
and reproducible product are critical features at this time.
Because of their physicochemical and biological advantages and the critical
situation of the high-cost market place, aptamers have emerged as a powerful
tool [8].
2 Aptamers-Based Diagnostic
It is well-known that an early diagnosis has a direct impact on the prognosis of a
disease. Even when age and other risk factors impact treatment selection, an early
and accurate diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
In this sense, it is imperative to detect the disease in at the moment of appearance,
avoiding its advancement. Early diagnosis is possible with sensitive methods involving acute detecting agents. As the amount of target to be detected becomes smaller,
the more sensitive the diagnostic method must be [9].
There are two conditions necessary to perform a successful diagnosis: recognition
of abnormal characteristics and the accurate detection.
Because effective strategies to identify and recognize targets are crucial, recent
efforts have emphasized the use of aptamers. As a targeting component, aptamers are
ideal and can be easily functionalized with the attachment of a signal agent, which
allows for detection with measurement instruments. In most cases, these additional
components must be considered with the aim to detect the binding and amplification
of the signal. Aptamer modifications can be achieved without impacting their
binding capacity, based on the chemical composition, size, charge, and the wide
range of pH and temperature stability.
Hence, aptamers and functionalization methodologies are the fundamental
parameters to creating a sensitive diagnostic technique, which includes big efforts
in the conception of strategies and the design of the probe.
Aptamers in Diagnostic and Molecular Imaging Applications
143