A Biotechnological Perspective on The Affinity Magnetic Separation and Purification Based on Oligonucleotides

The rapidly growing field of biotechnology has created a critical need for simple, fast andhigh-throughput processes for the separation and purification of biomolecules from biologicalmatrices. In recent years, several bioseparation techniques have been proposed as advancedalternatives to the classical separation methods. These modern processes emphasize ultrahighselective and sensitive analysis to determine promising chemical and biological entities.The current paper discusses the recent developments in the field of biotechnology usingmagnetic separation techniques based on oligonucleotides as the chemically synthesized andcost-effective biological ligands. In particular, they are very stable and not subject to thermaland chemical degradation. This allows the researchers to use labeled aptamers as highlysensitive and specific olgonucleotide probes in solution, membrane or magnetic nanoparticlesbasedassay systems. Since aptamers bind their targets with high affinity and specificity, theyare promising alternative ligands in the purification of proteins. The purpose of this reviewpaper is to show the critical role of oligonucleotides ligands for separation or purification ofbiological compounds and ions in complex matrices. Using the suitable aptamers in separationand preconcentration processes is an excellent alternative to the classical ligands. Somepractical examples of DNA-based magnetic separation processes are also discussed to showthe efficiency of magnetic bioseparation.