Aptamer Validation by Western Blot–an overview

Abstract

Western blot is the main and basic technique in cellular and molecular biology. The principle of the western blot is the isolation and detection of the target molecule usually from a cellular extract. The whole process of western blot consists of three stages and can be described briefly as separation of protein. followed by transportation to a solid membrane and finally detection of the target by an antibody. Western blot technique is usually used for the detection of proteins but also can be used to detect other molecules such as aptamers. Aptamers can be defined as a short-stranded DNA or RNA that bind with the target with high specificity and affinity. Aptamers highly resemble antibodies with many advantages. In this review, there is a focus on the aptamers that had validated by western blot technique other than other methods. This method has the advantage of less time required, no antibodies needed, and introducing the possibility of multiplexing detection.