Engineering DNA aptamers for novel analytical and biomedical applications

As an alternative to antibodies, aptamers have shown promising applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. However, different from antibodies, the chemical nature of nucleic acids allows easy synthesis and modification of aptamers. As a result, there are various feasible ways to engineer aptamers with extended bioavailability (e. g., stability and binding affinity in complex environments), regulating ability, and multi-functional properties. In this review, recent advances in rational design and novel functionalization of aptamers, especially DNA aptamers, is described. The broad spectrum of ways for aptamer engineering and applications is paving the way for the future evolution of bioanalytical and biomedical developments.