Improved Oligonucleotides for Use in Research and Diagnostics

Link Technologies Ltd recently presented the latest results from its in-house research programme at the Cambridge Symposium on Nucleic Acids Chemistry and Biology, (CSNACB). The new poster describes methods for utilising tocopherol-modified oligos, which improve the targeting of oligonucleotides to cells. In this study, the researchers also took advantage of the high hydrophobicity of tocopherol to improve the purification of thiol-modified oligos. The poster is now available to download from the Link Technologies website. Such efforts are part of the company’s continuing commitment to driving forward the application of oligonucleotides in research, diagnostics and therapeutics.

Link Technologies’ research and development team includes highly qualified chemists and application specialists, whose extensive expertise covers the synthesis, modification and application of oligonucleotides. As well as the research presented at the CSNACB, Link Technologies’ scientists have also been investigating novel ways to improve the internal labelling of oligonucleotides with dyes, haptens and enzymes via thiol-modification. Until now, simple thiol-modification has been limited to the ends of an oligo. However, the researchers are currently optimising the use of a new product that facilitates direct incorporation of the thiol functionality on a dT unit, allowing conjugation of the oligo without further transformation. To allow customers to access this data, as well as that from other projects, Link provides a range of download links and extra information via its website.

Dr Catherine McKeen, Product Manager at Link Technologies, commented: “At Link Technologies we don't just sell reagents for oligonucleotide synthesis; we commit considerable time, resources and expertise to making sure we understand them better than anyone else. This ethos stretches throughout the company and is especially emphasised by the quality of the scientific research we present at meetings such as the CSNACB.” The company’s extensive product catalogue includes reagents for DNA, RNA, PNA & UNA synthesis and modification. In addition, Link offers fully bespoke custom synthesis and contract manufacturing services, all of which utilise an ISO 9001:2008 certified quality management system, rigorous quality control (QC) procedures and pro-active delivery tracking systems to maximise the accuracy and efficiency of the service provided.