Bio-SELEX: A Strategy for Biomarkers Isolation Directly from Biological Samples

Abstract

Bio-SELEX is a revolutionary method for the discovery of novel biomarkers within biological samples, offering profound insights into diagnosing both infectious and non-infectious diseases. This innovative strategy involves three crucial steps: Traditional SELEX, Pull Down, and mass spectrometry. Firstly, Traditional SELEX involves the systematic selection of specific nucleic acid sequences (aptamers) that bind to the target molecules of interest. These aptamers are generated through iterative rounds of selection, amplification, and enrichment, ultimately yielding highly selective ligands. Secondly, the Pull-Down phase employs these aptamers to capture and isolate the target biomarkers from complex biological samples. This step ensures the specificity of the selected aptamers in binding to their intended targets. Lastly, mass spectrometry is utilized to identify and quantify the captured biomarkers, providing precise information about their presence and concentration in the sample. These quantitative data are invaluable in disease diagnosis and monitoring. Bio-SELEX’s significance lies in its ability to discover biomarkers for a wide range of diseases, spanning infectious and non-infectious conditions. This approach holds great promise for early disease detection, personalized medicine, and the development of targeted therapies. By harnessing the power of aptamers and mass spectrometry, Bio-SELEX advances our understanding of disease biology and opens new avenues for improved healthcare.