Aptamers as Recognition Elements for Analysis of Small Molecules

Abstract

Aptamers, which are functional oligonucleotides selected from random-sequence nucleic acids libraries in vitro, possess high recognition ability to specific targets. Owing to their inherent selectivity, affinity and multifarious advantages over the traditional recognition elements, aptamers can be considered as a valid alternative to antibodies or other biomimetic receptors and have been widely employed to design novel analytical methods. In this review, the evolving use of aptamers in analysis of small molecules by exploiting their molecular recognition properties is discussed.