Abstract: Aptamers are single stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can specifically bind to their targets with high affinity. They are generated by a procedure called SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment). Comparing to antibodies, aptamers possess distinctive advantages: ability for chemical synthesis in large quantities, low-immunogenicity, easy chemical modification and low synthesis cost. Combining nanobiotechnology and RNAi with aptamers, this technology opens the way to more sophisticated applications in tumor molecular diagnosis and therapy.

Key words: aptamer, nanobiotechnoloy, RNAi, cancer research