Aptamer Research Service
According to the different analysis needs of customers, Alpha Lifetech has a variety of aptamer analysis strategies for customers to choose.
Request QuoteAptamer Research Service
Introduction to Aptamer
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) identified in vitro through an iterative selection process known as SELEX. Alpha Lifetech offers a comprehensive, end-to-end aptamer development platform that seamlessly integrates library construction, SELEX screening, high-throughput sequencing, and advanced bioinformatic analysis.
By pairing SELEX with next-generation sequencing (NGS), we rapidly decode target-specific sequences and identify high-affinity binders. This integrated workflow provides a robust data foundation, streamlining downstream sequence analysis and accelerating functional applications.
While aptamers hold immense promise in therapeutics, diagnostics, and biosensors, raw candidates often require optimization to overcome in vivo degradation or potential toxicity. To ensure project success, Alpha Lifetech delivers customizable optimization and rigorous validation strategies tailored to meet your specific research and clinical goals.
Fig.1 Diagram of aptamer analysis. Reference source: Thevendran R, Citartan M. 2022. Assays to Estimate the Binding Affinity of Aptamers.
Introduction to Aptamer Research Service
Aptamer Stability Analysis
Nuclease Degradation Assay
We evaluate the anti-degradation profiles and durability of aptamers by simulating physiological conditions with various nucleases (e.g., DNase, RNase). This ensures optimal performance and long-term stability in practical, real-world applications.
Fluorescent Labeling Characterization
Utilizing advanced fluorophore tagging, we monitor conformational transitions and real-time signal shifts upon target engagement. This provides an indirect yet highly precise assessment of structural stability and binding dynamics.
Thermal stability analysis
We deliver precise determination of melting temperatures (Tm) across a range of thermal gradients, allowing for the rigorous evaluation of the structural integrity, shelf-life, and heat resistance of your candidates.
Dynamic stability analysis
Leveraging Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and complementary biophysical technologies, we track real-time binding and dissociation kinetics. This provides critical dynamic parameters (including kon and koff) to fully elucidate interaction mechanisms.
Structural Integrity Analysis
We employ high-resolution X-ray crystallography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and cutting-edge structural biology tools to map three-dimensional conformations and validate overall structural stability.
Aptamer Specific Analysis
Aptamer binding assay
We perform quantitative binding assays to precisely measure affinity constants, including dissociation constants (Kd). This robust data accelerates the screening of high-affinity leads and establishes a solid foundation for downstream PK/PD evaluation.
Counter-Screening / Reverse Screening
Our high-efficiency counter-screening protocols rapidly eliminate cross-reactive and non-target binders from candidate pools. By strategically selecting representative interfering molecules, we guarantee exceptional target selectivity and minimize potential off-target effects.
Competitive inhibition experiment
We conduct stringent specificity validation through competitive binding challenges using structural analogs. This assay confirms true target selectivity, screening out candidates with non-specific background binding to normal cells or tissues.
Aptamer Cytotoxicity Analysis
Alpha Lifetech provides a comprehensive suite of in vitro cytotoxicity assays to rigorously evaluate the impact of aptamer candidates on cell viability, proliferation, and metabolic function. We tailor our testing strategies to match your specific project timelines and data depth requirements.
| Methods | Technical Description | Key Advantages | Technical Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTT Assay | Quantifies cell metabolic activity via mitochondrial reduction of MTT into formazan crystals, reflecting viable cell numbers through absorbance. | Cost-effective, highly sensitive, and well-established for rapid, large-scale screening. | End-point determination; requires solvent dissolution (DMSO) which precludes kinetic tracking. |
| CCK-8 Assay | Utilizes a highly sensitive, water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-8) to determine cell viability through linear colorimetric readouts. | Simplified workflow (no-wash required), non-toxic reagent, exceptional linearity, and high reproducibility. | Higher reagent cost; metabolic shifts under certain conditions can occasionally confound absolute cell counts. |
| LDH Release Assay | Measures the leakage of stable intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the supernatant upon cell membrane compromise. | Directly quantifies cell lysis and true cytotoxicity without altering viable cell populations; completely non-radioactive. | Requires precise sampling schedules; primarily functions as an end-point readout per harvest. |
| Real-Time Live-Cell Imaging | Performs continuous, non-invasive automated microscopic monitoring of cell morphology and proliferation metrics directly inside the incubator. | Captures full kinetic profiles of cytotoxicity; delivers high-content data combining video documentation with robust quantification. | Requires specialized high-throughput instrumentation and advanced image analysis (fully equipped at Alpha Lifetech). |
KACHI
Advantage of Aptamer Optimization Service
Rigorous Quality Control
Enhanced Molecule Stability
Cost-Effective & Efficient
Versatile Optimization Platforms
End-to-End Technical Support
Deep Industry Expertise
Elite R&D Team
Tailored Service Pipelines
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
