Compositions and methods are provided for forming a single RNA polynucleotide from a plurality of DNA oligonucleotides in a single reaction chamber using combined reagents in a single step reaction. DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase and single stranded (ss) DNA oligonucleotides are combined where each DNA oligonucleotide has one or more sequence modules, wherein one sequence module in the first ss DNA oligonucleotide is complementary to a sequence module at the 3′ end of the second ss DNA oligonucleotide; and wherein a second module on the first ss DNA oligonucleotide is an RNA polymerase promoter sequence; and forming a single RNA polynucleotide, excluding the RNA promoter sequence, derived from the first and second DNA oligonucleotides.

The present invention relates to novel methods for discovering traits and generating cellular systems having improved phenotypes. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the development of plants having agronomically optimized phenotypes by using targeted mutagenesis with few or no off-target effects. Targeted mutagenesis is achieved by the introduction of a base editor complex or of a STEME complex comprising an array of guide RNAs targeting a nucleic acid sequence of interest. The present invention also relates to cellular systems obtained by the methods described herein and to the use of a base editor complex or the STEME complex comprising an array of guide RNAs for generating a cellular system having an agronomically important phenotype and for identification of an agronomically important phenotype.

A method of detecting a presence, amount and/or type of a pathogenic organism in a substrate is provided. The method is effected by contacting a sample suspected as containing the pathogenic organism or a portion thereof with an electrode, thereafter contacting the electrode with an aptamer that selectively binds to said pathogenic organism; thereafter contacting the electrode with an agent that participates in an electrochemically detectable reaction and thereafter perform the electrochemical reaction while using the electrode. The electric signal produced by the reaction is indicative of a presence and/or amount of the pathogenic organism. Also provided are a sensing system and kits usable for practicing the method, and use of the method for determining a suitable agent for reducing a load of a pathogenic organism in a substrate.

The present invention provides RNA aptamer probes for detection of target genetic material and methods for using the probes. In some embodiments, the invention provides devices for the detection of the target genetic material using the probes of the preset invention. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for designing RNA aptamer probes for detection of target genetic material. In some embodiments, the target genetic material is genetic material from a pathogen. In some embodiments the pathogen is influenza virus. In some embodiments, the devices of the present invention may be used outside of laboratory setting and do not require any specialized skills. In some embodiments, the devices of the present invention are used in conjunction with a mobile phone camera.

The subject invention provides materials and methods for single-step fluorescence and electrochemical detection of small molecules, e.g., fentanyl and its analogs, in a sample. The subjection invention provides nucleic acids materials, e.g., aptamers (nucleic acid oligonucleotides) that can bind to fentanyl and its analogs with nanomolar affinity and high specificity against illicit drugs, adulterants, and cutting agents commonly existing in seized samples. The method for detecting fentanyl and/or its analogs in a sample comprises contacting the sample with an aptamer-based sensor selective for fentanyl and its analogs, and sensitively, specifically, and rapidly detecting fentanyl and/or its analogs in the sample.

Methods and compositions are provided for specific aptamers and aptamer pools that bind biomarkers of interest such as microvesicle surface antigens or functional fragments of microvesicle surface antigens. In various embodiments, aptamers of the invention are used in diagnostic, prognostic, or theranostic processes to screen a biological sample for the presence or levels of biomarkers such as microvesicles that are determined to provide a diagnostic, prognostic, or theranostic readout. The diagnosis, prognosis, or theranosis may be related to cancer or other diseases and disorders. The invention also provides methods and composition to facilitate aptamer library screening and aptamer detection methods.

The present specification relates to an astrocyte-specific nucleic acid aptamer and a use thereof. The astrocyte-specific nucleic acid aptamer, according to the disclosure in the present specification, is a DNA aptamer.

A nucleic acid aptamer having binding affinity to A/H1N1pdm09 influenza virus, agents comprising the aptamer, and methods using the aptamer are provided.

A method of producing an aptamer selectively binding a non-canonical structure of a target nucleic acid molecule includes the steps of: incubating a plurality of nucleic acid sequences with an enantiomer of the non-canonical structure under suitable conditions to obtain one or more candidate nucleic acid sequences binding to the enantiomer of the non-canonical structure, purifying and amplifying the one or more candidate nucleic acid sequences; repeating said incubating, purifying and amplifying steps for a predetermined number of cycles under different conditions; and producing an enantiomer for selected amplified candidate nucleic acid sequence to obtain the aptamer capable of selectively binding the non-canonical structure of the target nucleic acid molecule. An aptamer selectively binding to a non-canonical structure of a nucleic acid molecule or its enantiomer, the aptamer comprising a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; as well as uses of the aptamer or its enantiomer.

A nucleic acid aptamer having binding affinity to A/H1N1pdm09 influenza virus, agents comprising the aptamer, and methods using the aptamer are provided.