Use of aptamers in immunoassays.

Aptamers, short single-chain DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, react specifically with small molecules, as well as with proteins. Unlike antibodies, they may be obtained relatively easily. Aptamers are now widely employed in immunological studies and could replace antibodies in immunoassays. In this short review, methods for immobilizing aptamers on various insoluble materials (so-called apta-sorbents) are described. Recent findings on their use in the detection and isolation of immunoglobulins and their application in various immunoassays are also discussed.