Target feasibility

Delivers rapid insight into project feasibility for quick go/no-go decisions. Wide range of viable targets:

• small molecules (drugs, toxins, food additives, environmental contaminants)
• proteins and peptides (immunoglobulins, serum proteins, membrane proteins, secreted proteins, enzymes, specific protein domains, peptides >20 kDa)
• viral vectors
• cells (fixed and live cells in suspension and monolayer culture)
• tissues (organs, tissues, FFPE sections)

Targets and counter-targets are tested for purity, concentration and optimal buffer compatibility for the selection process.

In vitro selection

Specific proprietary high-throughput selection processes for different target classes:

• Cells
• Proteins and peptides
• Small molecules

Adaptable selection system with the ability to: counter-select against related targets, select in end-use buffer and matrix conditions, select in the presence/ absence of ligands, screen mutant vs wild-type, select for specific binding kinetics and performance.

Clonal analyses & Optimer development

Aptamer pools are assessed for target affinity and the aptamer population is cloned out. Individual clones are isolated from the population for next-generation sequencing to determine the diversity in the aptamer repertoire. Individual aptamers are ranked according to target affinity by biolayer interferometry or other project-defined criteria. Target affinity of the best aptamer clone is increased and cost-effective manufacture ensured via identification of the minimal performing fragment of the aptamer to generate an Optimer.

Assay development

Optional services from proof-of-concept to a defined and functional assay. Range of assays available in-house, including ELISA, flow cytometry, cell-based inhibition/activation assays, affinity chromatography, WB, SPR, fluorescence microscopy and IHC.

Supply

Sequencing, synthesis and quality control processes to ensure delivery of a functional Optimer.