In vitro selection

In vitro selection is a laboratory process used to identify molecules, like proteins or nucleic acids, with specific desired properties. Scientists generate a large pool of random molecules and then repeatedly select, or "sort," those that perform best for a particular task. These selected molecules are amplified and tested again, gradually enriching the pool with highly effective candidates. This technique helps discover new drugs, enzymes, or genetic tools by efficiently pinpointing functional molecules from vast experimental diversity without needing to test each one individually.