A review: Construction of aptamer screening methods based on improving the screening rate of key steps

Aptamers, as recognition molecules, play an important role in the field of detection and control. Screening is the key procedure to obtain aptamers. Improving the aptamer screening rate involves two aspects, one is to shorten the cycle time required for the screening process, and the other is to obtain high-performance aptamers through screening. This review summarizes approaches to aptamer screening constructed to improve aptamer screening rates, starting from the four most basic steps that make up a SELEX process round. The selection of appropriate screening methods for different targets and the provision of sequencing and monitoring tools for the screening process can not only help to reduce the required screening cycle, but also obtain high-performance aptamers through screening. Shortening the screening cycle time can also be achieved by pre-reducing the library and applying high separation efficiency techniques to the SELEX segment. High-performance aptamers are aptamers that have high affinity and specificity while maintaining their structural stability in the actual assay environment. The complexity of the aptamer structure affects its binding affinity and specificity to the target. Therefore, it is important to obtain high-performance aptamers for the design of the library and the complexity of the screening system. Methods based on improving the screening rate of key steps. • Aptamer screening methods based on improving the screening rate of key steps have been summarized. • The methods of pre-reduction of library capacity and design of library have been discussed. • Different separation techniques affecting the screening cycle have been summarized. • The importance of monitoring techniques and the complexity of screening systems have been discussed. • This review will facilitate the development of novel and efficient aptamer screening methods.