Aptamers vs Antibodies

AptamersAntibodies

In vitro selection, identification and screening

In vivo selection, identification and screening

Ready useable to toxins, drugs and small molecules identification

Limited to identification of molecules that induce immune response

In vitro production by automated synthesis and PCR

More complicated production using animal host or bioreactor fermentation


Highly reproducible and pure product

Batch to batch variations in non-monoclonal preparations

Can function at different temperatures, pH and buffers 

Functionality usually limited to physiological conditions


Easily labelled with no loss of functionality

Labelling can cause loss of functionality

Denatured aptamers can be regenerated, aptamers are stable to long term storage and can be transported at ambient temperature

Antibodies have limited shelf life and are sensitive to temperature and may undergo denaturation