Development of an Automated Capture-SELEX Device for\nEfficient Screening of β‑Conglycinin Aptamer

β-Conglycinin is the main allergen\npresent in soybeans, and\nit is causing wide concern due to its notable allergenicity, heat,\nand digestive enzyme resistance. Screening for aptamers that both\nrecognize β-conglycinin and inhibit the allergic reactions that\nit triggers is necessary. Conventional aptamer screening is labor-intensive,\nrequires skilled personnel, and has limited reproducibility. To address\nthese limitations, an automated device was developed to enhance the\nefficiency of aptamer selection in Capture-SELEX. The device achieves\nhighly integrated, reproducible, and accurate contamination control.\nUsing this device, a high-affinity and specific aptamer, β-5,\nwas selected with a <i>K</i><sub>d</sub> = 18.24 ±\n2.42 nM for β-conglycinin, as confirmed by isothermal titration\ncalorimetry and fluorescence polarization. Thermodynamic analysis\nrevealed that enthalpy-driven binding and docking simulations clarified\nthe recognition mechanism. Overall, this automated device enables\nhigh-efficiency aptamer generation for certain targets, with aptamer\nβ-5 expected to play a vital role in the detection of β-conglycinin\nand the targeted inhibition of its allergic reaction.