MEMBERS' HIGHLIGHTS

Aptamers are relevant biotechnological tools in many fields: health, cosmetics, environmental sciences (enzyme inhibitor, label, probe, biosensor...). In 2005, the IECB team “Small RNA & Aptamers” (INSERM U869) assembled the first automated platform for aptamer selection in France, an equipement that speeds up the selection from 3 months to 2 weeks.

In order to develop biotechnological applications of aptamers, the team created Novaptech, a technology transfer unit associated to the lab. Since, Novaptech’s has been collaborating with academic and private labs, using aptamer-based tools against proteins, peptides, small molecules, toxins or nucleic acids.

In the context of Interbio, Novaptech is interested in:

Service agreements

• Identification of aptamers (RNA, DNA, chemically modified oligonucleotides) through an automated in vitro process)
• Optimization of selected aptamers by minimizing their size and improving nuclease resistance,
• Conjugation of aptamers to biotin, fluorophore, amine, thiol groups.
Biotechnological development of aptamers
• Development of new tools in analytical, diagnostic (sensoring. imaging) or therapeutic fields.

Collaborative research projects

• Implementation of new strategies to promote and develop the use of aptamers
• Improvement of the automated platform by developing new procedures and components.

Contact: sonia.darocha@novaptech.com