In The Aptamer Handbook, leading scientists from academia as well as biotech
and pharma companies introduce the revolutionary concept of designing RNA and
DNA oligonucleotides with novel functions by in vitro selection. These
functions comprise high affinity binding (aptamers), catalytic activity
(ribozymes and deoxyribozymes) or combinations of binding and catalytic
properties (aptazymes). Basic concepts and technologies describing in detail
how these functional oligonucleotides can be identified are presented. Numerous
examples demonstrate the versatility of in vitro selected oligonucleotides.
Special emphasis has been put on a section that shows the broad applicability
of aptamers, e. g. in target validation, for analytics, or as new therapeutics.
This first overview in the field is of prime interest for a broad audience of
scientists both in academia and in industry who wish to expand their knowledge
on the potential of new oligonucleotide functions and their applications.
