Aptamer-Based Analysis and Extraction of Sitosterol and Related Compounds

70846 Oilseed contains sterols and related compounds with economic potential. The extraction and analysis of these compounds would be aided by the availability of highly selective aptamers with high affinities for their particular sterol ligands. This project will develop aptamers for use in microarrays to analyze and extract sterol contents of oil and other biological extracts. Bacterial expression vectors will be prepared from which the aptamers can be expressed in large quantities. In Phase I, one or more DNA aptamers for sitosterol will be selected. The aptamers will be evaluated for their specificity and affinity for sitosterol and related compounds. A bacterial expression vector will be developed from which aptamers can be prepared. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial applications include (1) the use of aptamers in the analysis and extraction of sitosterol and related compounds, and (2) a general method for economically mass-producing DNA aptamers for use in many analytical procedures.