Here, researchers from biotech and pharma companies as well as from academia introduce the revolutionary concept of designing small nucleic acids with novel biological function. <p> Concepts and procedures for the generation of aptamers (target-binding oligonucleotides) and aptazymes (catalytically active oligonucleotides) are discussed in depth, based on recent advances in oligonucleotide biotechnology. The second part of the book presents numerous examples of how these engineered nucleotides may be used for synthesis, bioanalysis, medical diagnostics and therapeutical applications. <p> This first overview on the field is of prime interest for biochemists, biotechnologists and pharmaceutical researchers who want to broaden their methodological repertoire.
