Aptamers are short DNA/RNA oligonucleotides capable of binding to target molecules with high affinity and specificity. The process of selecting an aptamer is called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Thanks to the inherit merits, aptamers have been used in a wide range of applications, including disease diagnosis, targeted delivery agents and therapeutic uses. To date, great achievements regarding the selection, modifications and application of aptamers have been made. However, few aptamer-based products have already successfully entered into clinical and industrial use. Besides, it is still a challenge to obtain aptamers with high affinity in a more efficient way. Thus, it is important to comprehensively review the current shortage and achievement of aptamer-related technology. In this review, we first present the limitations and notable advances of aptamer selection. Then, we compare the different methods used in the kinetic characterization of aptamers. We also discuss the impetus and developments of the clinical application of aptamers.
Keywords: SELEX; aptamer; selection; targeted drug delivery systems; therapy.