Method for identifying an oligonucleotide aptamer specific for a target

Abstract

A method for identifying oligomer sequences which specifically bind target biomolecules is described. The technique involves complexation of the support-bound target molecule with a mixture of oligonucleotides containing random sequences and sequences which serve as primer for PCR under conditions wherein a complex is formed with the specifically binding sequences, but not with the other members of the oligonucleotide mixture. The target-oligonucleotide complexes are then separated from both the support and the uncomplexed oligonucleotides and the complexed members of the oligonucleotide mixture are recovered from the separated complex and subsequently amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. The recovered oligonucleotides may be sequenced, and successive rounds of selection using complexation, separation, amplification and recovery can be employed.

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