Rapid Isolation of DNA Aptamers (RIDA)

DNA aptamers are promising highly-specific, environmentally-stable threat-detecting molecules. Unfortunately, the current method for generating these materials yields a product frought with a high concentration of ballast aptamers. A laborious, yet automated process is required to isolate the desired molecules, thereby precluding their widespread use. Infoscitex (IST) proposes to develop a rapid aptamer production process that relies upon the law of mass action to make selection of high affinity and selective aptamers after only one round. The Phase I program will focus on demonstrating the approach to be rapid, scalable, and economical. Upon successful completion of Phase I, Phase II/III activities will focus on the continued development and scale-up of the novel technology of aptamer isolation process.