Aptamer: Apt System For Target-Specific Drug Delivery

The delivery and binding of the therapeutic molecules like drugs, siRNAs and toxins to their specific target is a challenging task. Poor efficacy and off target binding are major problems associated with current approaches for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules. Therefore, to avoid off target binding, target specific delivery systems are urgently required. Over the years, aptamers have become attractive molecules for targeted delivery of drugs. Aptamers are defined as small, single-stranded DNA/RNA or peptides which can bind to the specific targets with better affinity. The therapeutic molecules can either conjugate directly to the aptamers or along with some carrier molecules like liposomes, antibodies and nanoparticles to achieve specific targeted delivery. The present book chapter will focus on aptamer mediated target specific delivery of drugs, toxins and siRNAs-both direct conjugation with aptamer and in association with carriers.