Aptamers vs Antibodies
| Aptamers | Antibodies |
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 |
| Batch to batch variations in non-monoclonal preparations |
Can function at different temperatures, pH and buffers | Functionality usually limited to physiological conditions |
| 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 |
