Our workflow

From target to Optimer™ in as little as 4 weeks

We have target-specific selection platforms and teams with refined, efficient workflows built to prevent reagent development from limiting your programmes. Clear milestones are incorporated into our workflow to help mitigate risk. We work in a data-driven fashion offering the flexibility to direct and adapt the custom Optimer process to achieve the right solution for each unique project.

Optimers have been successfully developed for a range of applications, including:

in vitro research
quality control analysis
pharmacokinetics and drug assays
in vitro diagnostic assays
protein purification and separation
biomarker screening and validation

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Understanding of customer needs and project aims. Work schedule developed following established, standardised approach to meet clear milestones via data-driven model.

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

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

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

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.

Aptamer pools are assessed for target affinity and the aptamer population is cloned out Individual clones isolated from the population for next-generation sequencing to determine the diversity in the aptamer repertoire. Individual aptamers 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.

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.

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