Selection and characterization of DNA aptamers for egg white lysozyme.

We have selected aptamers binding to lysozyme from a DNA library using capillary electrophoresis-systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. During the selection process the dissociation constant of the ssDNA pool decreased from the micromolar to the low nanomolar range within five rounds of selection. The final aptamer had a dissociation constant of 2.8 +/- 0.3 nM, 6.1 +/- 0.5 nM, and 52.9 +/- 9.1 nM as determined by fluorescence anisotropy, surface plasmon resonance and affinity capillary electrophoresis respectively. The aptamers were successfully challenged for specificity against other egg white proteins. The high affinity aptamers open up possibilities for the development of aptamer based food and medical diagnostics.