Dissecting SELEX for reliable aptamers: from small molecules to microplastics
Event details
| Date | 06.05.2026 |
| Hour | 10:00 › 11:00 |
| Speaker | Prof. Juewen Liu, Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo |
| Location | Online |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
| Event Language | English |
BIOENGINEERING SEMINAR
Abstract:
DNA aptamers offer unparalleled specificity, stability, and programmability for molecular recognition across diverse targets. Our lab combines the capture-SELEX method with deep sequencing to quantitative dissect the aptamer selection process for various targets from metal ions, small molecules (e.g., antibiotics, lactate), proteins (e.g., green fluorescent proteins) to complex targets such as cornea tissue and microplastics. Understanding key parameters such as target concentration, incubation time and buffer conditions (pH, salt) have yielding aptamers with nanomolar affinities and fundamental insights regarding selection outcomes. These advances not only demystify SELEX but also pave the way for next-generation diagnostics, therapeutics, and environmental monitors, bridging molecular chemistry with real-world challenges.
Zoom link for attending remotely: https://epfl.zoom.us/j/66876869639
Abstract:
DNA aptamers offer unparalleled specificity, stability, and programmability for molecular recognition across diverse targets. Our lab combines the capture-SELEX method with deep sequencing to quantitative dissect the aptamer selection process for various targets from metal ions, small molecules (e.g., antibiotics, lactate), proteins (e.g., green fluorescent proteins) to complex targets such as cornea tissue and microplastics. Understanding key parameters such as target concentration, incubation time and buffer conditions (pH, salt) have yielding aptamers with nanomolar affinities and fundamental insights regarding selection outcomes. These advances not only demystify SELEX but also pave the way for next-generation diagnostics, therapeutics, and environmental monitors, bridging molecular chemistry with real-world challenges.
Zoom link for attending remotely: https://epfl.zoom.us/j/66876869639
Practical information
- Informed public
- Free